Former QB Mike Hartline Returns to Kentucky Football

The last Kentucky quarterback to throw for 3,000 yards in a season will be back in blue this fall. The University of Kentucky announced on Thursday that Mike Hartline will join Mark Stoops’ staff as an offensive analyst in 2025.

“When I first got into coaching it was always in the back of my mind how thrilled I would be to return to Kentucky, and if the timing was right I wouldn’t hesitate to come back,” Hartline said in a statement. “My coaches made an incredible impact on me and I hope to return the favor.

“I’ve stayed in touch with Coach Stoops over the years and admire the coaching staffs and teams he has put together to take the program to where it is today.”

It’s the second straight day a Hartline has been in the news. His brother, Brian Hartline, was recently promoted to offensive coordinator at Ohio State. He’s credited with turning the Buckeyes into an NFL Wide Receiver Factory.

Mike Hartline started his coaching career as an intern for Ohio State back in 2015. He’s been an analyst at Cincinnati, Auburn, and most recently at Coastal Carolina. He was also previously an assistant coach at Ohio Dominican and Charlotte.

“We are excited for Mike Hartline to return to Kentucky,” said head coach Mark Stoops. “It was the right time and opportunity to bring him back and I know he will be an asset to our coaching staff.”

Hartline succeeded Andre’ Woodson and was a three-year starter who missed half of 2009 with an injury. In 2010, he completed 66% of his passes for 3,178 yards, 23 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Hartline’s most memorable moment was a fourth-and-long dagger through the hearts of tenth-ranked South Carolina. His touchdown pass to Randall Cobb in the final two minutes sealed Kentucky’s first-ever victory over Steve Spurrier.

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