Ohio State has officially replaced Chip Kelly after his departure to the National Football League. The Buckeyes lost Kelly, the team’s offensive coordinator, following their National Championship victory last month, when Pete Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders hired him for a lucrative role in the same capacity. Days later, the Buckeyes announced their replacement.
On3 reported on Wednesday that Ohio State will promote Brian Hartline to be the Buckeyes’ next offensive coordinator. This unsurprising internal promotion aims to maintain continuity for the reigning National Champions. The Buckeye offense, under Kelly’s leadership, ranked among the best in the nation in 2024, finishing 14th in points per game with an impressive 35.7. Will Howard tallied over 4,000 passing yards and 35 passing touchdowns, while Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson both surpassed 1,000 rushing yards.
Kelly made significant contributions during his time in Columbus, guiding the team to its first National Title in ten seasons. His remarkable skills caught Carroll’s attention, resulting in a substantial contract offer. Brian Hartline is a recognized name in Buckeye Nation, having starred as a wide receiver in two National Championship games in 2006 and 2007. After a seven-year NFL career from 2009 to 2015, he joined Ohio State as a quality control assistant on offense under Urban Meyer in 2017. Ryan Day retained him, and he continued to serve as the team’s wide receivers coach.
Hartline has served as co-offensive coordinator in 2024 while also coaching wide receivers since 2018. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes have consistently sent talented receivers to the NFL and regularly recruit the nation’s top wide receiver prospects. Ohio State is poised to keep the momentum going in 2025.
