Ohio State Coach Brian Hartline: Potential Mel Tucker Replacement?

Could Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline be a candidate for the Michigan State Spartans head-coaching job if Mel Tucker is fired?

The Ohio State Buckeyes will look to move to 3-0 on Saturday when they host the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Ohio Stadium during a 4 p.m. ET kickoff.

But both the program and fan base are simultaneously watching how things will unfold in East Lansing, MI. for their Big Ten rival Michigan State Spartans, who are undergoing sudden and shocking developments regarding the coaching staff.

Michigan State head football coach Mel Tucker was suspended by the university without pay on Sunday after reports accused him of sexually harassing a woman over the phone last year.

While Tucker has yet to be fired amid an ongoing investigation and a pending October hearing, his future at Michigan State is now in doubt.

Naturally, there's already been speculation about who could replace Tucker if or when he's fired. On3 recently came up with a list of candidates who could fit the bill for the Spartans, and named Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline as a hypothetical fit.

"The resume speaks for itself when it comes to Hartline, the Ohio State offensive coordinator," On3 wrote. "Hartline is a recruiter and a motivator first and foremost, two qualities that would undoubtedly be at the forefront of any coaching endeavor he might undertake. Could Michigan State be interested?"

Other coaches On3 had on its list included Michigan's Sherrone Moore, Florida State's Alex Atkins, Tulane's Willie Fritz, Wake Forest's Dave Clawson and more.

Hartline, a 2009 fourth-round NFL draft pick by the Miami Dolphins where he was a 1,000-yard receiver, joined the Buckeyes coaching staff in 2017 as an offensive quality control assistant. He's since risen up the ranks and has been an integral reason for the NFL success that Ohio State receivers have had in the pros in recent seasons.

Though there's current head coaches that would likely be considered for the MSU job if Tucker is fired, Hartline is arguably just as deserving. But of course, time will tell how things work out for the Spartans.