New Ohio State OC Brian Hartline To Call Plays 'At Times' In Spring Practice

Brian Hartline will have a chance to earn the right to call plays in 2023.

Consider the 15 allotted practices to all NCAA teams before the annual spring game as a trial run for new Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. 

Should the former pass-game coordinator impress fifth-year coach Ryan Day, perhaps he'll be given complete control of the offense for the Buckeyes' Week 1 matchup against Indiana. 

If not, little is set to change in Columbus. 

Ray confirmed during his offseason press conference that while there was speculation of him relinquishing the play-calling duties following the College Football Playoff, everything is on the table. This includes Hartline being more than just another voice in the room, but rather a front-runner to replace Day in terms of calling the shots. 

"What we're going to do is go through the spring... create some environments where we can call it. Have Jim [Knowles] call it, have an opportunity for Brian to call it," Day said Wednesday. "We'll come up for air at the end of the spring and kind of figure out what that dynamic looks like." 

Promoted to offensive coordinator last month, Hartline is set to replace Kevin Wilson, who left following the Buckeyes' 41-40 loss in the Peach Bowl against Georgia to take the head-coaching opening at Tulsa. 

Hartline, 36, has been with the program since 2017 when hired by Urban Meyer as a quality control assistant. A year later, he was promoted to wide receivers coach and began developing pass-catchers into some of the finest players in the sport. Several prospects that have been standouts include Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams, Chris Olave, Terry McLaurin, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. 

Prior to his return to Columbus, Hartline spent six seasons in the NFL as a member of the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns. 

"Brian's done a great job in his football career. You follow it all the way through from high school. Then he comes to Ohio State and plays at a high level," Day said. "Then he goes on to the NFL and not only has an NFL career but a sustained NFL career and maximized himself.

"His knowledge of offensive football is excellent. Now he's got an opportunity to take that next step in his progression, and I think that's natural for him." 

Day praised both Hartline's work ethic on the field and on the recruiting trail, calling him the "best wide receivers coach in the country." Others tend to agree. Earlier this offseason, Hartline was linked to the Cincinnati head coaching vacancy following Luke Fickell's departure to Wisconsin, but ultimately declined the offer to stay with the Buckeyes.

Since being hired as offensive coordinator under Meyer in 2017, Day has served as the primary play-caller. When promoted to head coach in 2019, Day remained in charge of the play sheet but asked for input from his offensive coaches and assistants. 

Last season, the Buckeyes finished second in scoring (44.2 points per game), ninth in total yards (490.7 yards per game) and 14th in passing (298.3 yards per game). Harrison and Emeka Egbuka each finished with over 1,000 receiving yards, while quarterback C.J. Stroud led the nation in passer rating (177.66) and second in touchdowns (41). 

Day said nothing would be decided following spring practice on Hartline's role with the offense. However, as more head coaches turn to a CEO approach and focus their attention on behind the scene issues, taking something off Day's plate might benefit all parties involved. 

Head coaches calling plays has become a rarity in the sport. Among the top programs in the country, only Day and USC's Lincoln Riley remain at the forefront of both titles. Texas A&M's Jimbo Fisher was a part of that group when hired by Florida State in 2010, but since has given up the play-calling duties following a 5-7 season in 2022. 

"There's a lot of different things that are changing on a daily basis," Day said. "Whether that's giving up the play-calling and letting Brian do it or not, we'll decide that here in the next few months." 

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