Brian Hartline reflects on Ohio State return at end of NFL career

When former Ohio State wide receiver Brian Hartline retired from the NFL, he quickly jumped to the coaching ranks under Urban Meyer and later Ryan Day. Starting as an offensive quality control coach, he worked his way up to wide receiver coach in 2018 and recently added passing game coordinator to his list of titles.

Over his playing career, Brian Hartline played four seasons at Ohio State and helped guide the Buckeyes to the 2008 National Championship game. He then spent seven seasons in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns. The Former fourth round pick says a coaching career came naturally after his playing days ended.

“It just kind of happened,” Hartline said on 97.1 The Fan in Columbus, Ohio. “You know, it’s funny you bring that up, we’ve talked at length, my wife and I, how many things have had to line up to be where we are today. More than just me seeking it, I think it was where my calling was supposed to be because if it wasn’t, I probably wouldn’t be where I’m at today. It happened to work out, and we’ll see how far this road goes.”

In 2019, he made the American Football Coaches Association’s 35 Under 35 list. He has since won 247Sports National Recruiter of the Year award (2020) and Football Scoop’s Wide Receivers Coach of the Year (2021).

Brian Hartline stays with Ohio State

Ohio State made a big move this offseason, announcing the promotion of wide receivers coach Brian Hartline to passing game coordinator. The press release praised Hartline for his work both on the field and in recruiting over the past four years.

“Hartline has been a rising star among college coaches since becoming a full-time staff member in 2018 after one season as an offensive analyst,” the release reads. “He was a standout receiver for Ohio State from 2005-08, graduated in 2009 and spent seven seasons in the National Football League, six of them with the Miami Dolphins and one as a Cleveland Brown. He played in 104 NFL games with 73 starts and produced 344 career receptions for 4,766 yards and 14 touchdowns.”

“Brian is a dedicated Ohio State Buckeye,” Day said. “He is the top wide receiver’s coach in college football and he has continued to develop as an offensive coach to the point where we want him to have more of an impact on our offensive game plan. His taking over as passing game coordinator will allow for that.”