Former Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline accepts head coaching position with USF

Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline is returning to Florida, this time as the head coach of the University of South Florida. Multiple media outlets reported on the hire Wednesday morning with ESPN reporting that Hartline is expected to continue his duties as offensive coordinator for Ohio State throughout the remainder of the postseason.

Hartline leaves Ohio State after being with the program since 2017 when he was hired on as a graduate assistant. The following year, he would take over the role of interim wide receiver’s coach following the dismissal of Zach Smith. In 2021, Hartline would add the title of passing game coordinator to his duties, before eventually being named the team’s offensive coordinator in 2023.

Under his tutelage, five receivers from Ohio State were drafted in the first round of NFL Drafts — Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Emeka Egbuka, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Garrett Wilson.

Hartline was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He spent six seasons in Miami before finishing his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns in 2015. During his seven seasons in the league, Hartline nabbed 344 receptions for 4,766 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 4,243 receiving yards with the Dolphins ranks him 10th all time in that category with the franchise.