The morning following South Florida’s victory over the Rice Owls, news broke that Head Coach Alex Golesh would be departing the program after three seasons to take the same position at Auburn University.
Golesh, who guided the Bulls to three consecutive winning campaigns, left USF in a familiar spot—much like they were in 2022 following the dismissal of Jeff Scott: without a head coach and back at square one in their search for a new leader.
With the football program trending upward, USF’s athletics department—led by CEO of Athletics, Rob Higgins and COO of Athletics, Derrick Brooks, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebacker—faced a pivotal decision about the type of leader they wanted guiding the next phase. Would they pursue a seasoned head coach with years of experience, or take a bold swing on a young, hungry offensive coordinator ready to seize his first head-coaching opportunity?
Enter: Brian Hartline
Brian Hartline
Following a seven year NFL career as a Wide Receiver, the former Fourth Round NFL Draft selection returned to his alma mater, Ohio State University, to become the Buckeyes’ Offensive Quality Control Assistant in 2017. From 2018 – 2022, he served as the team’s Wide Receivers Coach, and in 2023 he became their Offensive Coordinator, while still assuming the the responsibility of Wide Receivers Coach. He held both roles until 2025 — when the South Florida Bulls came calling.
During Hartline’s coaching tenure in Columbus, Ohio, he had the opportunity to coach and mentor quite a few notable names, some were even First Round NFL Draft selections.
To name a few, Hartline coached: WR Garrett Wilson (First Round, 2022), WR Chris Olave (First Round 2022), WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (First Round, 2023), WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (First Round, 2024), and WR Emeka Egbuka (First Round, 2025). The 2025-26 Ohio State team even has players slated to become future First Round Selections — WR Carnell Tate (2026) and WR Jeremiah Smith (not draft-eligible until 2027).
Why Choose USF?
On the Dec. 8th, 2025, episode of the Jim Rome Show, Hartline mentioned, “I was really pretty picky. The most important thing to me, by far, is the ability to win consistently.”
USF’s recent rise has already shown that sustained winning is achievable in Tampa. The Bulls’ trip to the 2025 Cure Bowl marks their third consecutive bowl appearance—and gives them a shot at securing a third straight bowl victory.
For Hartline, who spent majority of his NFL career in the Sunshine State as a Miami Dolphin, there is hardly a better place to return to. And when it comes to recruiting, having the talent-rich Tampa Bay area right in your backyard is an undeniable advantage.
Beyond the natural appeal of Florida, Hartline stressed the importance of establishing a long-lasting culture—one grounded in accountability, discipline, and unwavering competitiveness. He made it clear that his goals for USF reach far beyond quick wins; he intends to build a program capable of consistently competing with the nation’s elite.
With a promising core of young players expected to return (hopefully), the groundwork is already set for Hartline to make an immediate impact. The momentum surrounding the program has surged in recent years, and with a coach who prioritizes consistency, the Bulls are well-positioned to continue climbing.
Combine that with top-tier facilities, the highly anticipated on-campus stadium arriving in 2027, a passionate and growing fan base, and the recruiting goldmine of Florida talent, and it’s easy to see why Hartline identified USF as an ideal landing spot. For him, this isn’t just about winning games—it’s about creating something meaningful in a place that already feels like home.
With Coach Brian Hartline now at the helm, the next chapter of USF football is ready to be written — one that could redefine what the program believes is possible.