If there is one thing that Brian Hartline has proven, it's that he knows how to coach some really great wide receivers. Since becoming the Ohio State wide receivers coach back in 2018, the Buckeyes have produced amazing receiver talent in the NFL, and a lot of it is thanks to Hartline.
Hartline will soon be making the permanent move to Tampa, Florida, becoming the head coach at USF after spending his entire coaching career at Ohio State. The move to Tampa will have Hartline coaching in the same stadium where one of his most famous former wide receivers currently plays.
Former Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has had a great rookie season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even dealing with some injuries along the way. Egbuka was back in Tampa on Thursday night playing the Atlanta Falcons in a crushing 29-28 defeat, but he had one familiar face in the crowd who was ecstatic to see him play.
Hartline, who is currently in Tampa for his official announcement as USF's newest head coach, made sure to catch up with his former pass catcher. Hartline was seen on the field with his family, greeting Egbuka, looking so proud of his former player. Egbuka posed for a photo with Hartline and his family, who also looked excited to see him.
A reunion for new USF head coach Brian Hartline and #Bucs wide receiver Emeka Egbuka@USFFootball @WFLA pic.twitter.com/MQMzxOGRHP
— Jeff Dubrof (@JeffDubrofTV) December 12, 2025
Hartline coached Egbuka all throughout his career at Ohio State and is a big reason the rookie is making such an impact for the Bucs. If Egbuka had not gone down with an injury about midway through the NFL season, he could have easily run away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, as he was a favorite target for quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Now Hartline will be able to see Egbuka play in person a lot more with the move to Tampa, and it can probably be counted on that Egbuka will be in attendance at Hartline's games at USF as well.