Ohio State coach Ryan Day said Friday morning he is close to finalizing the promotion of wide receivers coach Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator.
“We’re still putting the finishing touches on it,” Day said. “I’m hoping by this weekend or the beginning of next week, we’ll have everything out there.”
Hartline is considered the best wide receivers coach in the country for his success in recruiting and developing elite players at that position. He was the OSU’s offensive coordinator in 2023 but did not call plays. Chip Kelly served as offensive coordinator last year, though Hartline had a “co-coordinator” title.
It also has been reported that Ohio State will hire Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen as offensive line coach and promote offensive analyst Billy Fessler to quarterbacks coach. Bowen would replace Justin Frye, who left to join the Arizona Cardinals. Kelly also served as quarterbacks coach in 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders hired Kelly as their offensive coordinator.
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“We obviously have a bunch of really good guys on staff,” Day said, “but there are a bunch of guys who are interested in the positions, so we’re going to work hard to get this thing ironed down in the next few days.”
Day also must fill the defensive coordinator job with Jim Knowles’ departure to Penn State.
“We’re still working through it all,” Day said.
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One thing no longer in doubt is Day’s immediate future with Ohio State after he led the Buckeyes to the national championship. He has agreed to an extension through the 2031 season worth $12.5 million annually.
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“I just want to say thank you to everybody involved,” Day said. “Start with Buckeye Nation and then to the board of trustees, president (Ted) Carter, (athletic director) Ross (Bjork), our coaching staff, and then obviously, our players. None of that would even be possible without everyone together on it.
“We’re honored to be able to be able to represent Ohio State again for the next seven years.”
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State coach Ryan Day updates status of Brian Hartline promotion
