The Ohio State football program is basking in the glory of taking down TTUN. It was a win that eliminated the four-game losing streak to Michigan. It was the best win that the Buckeyes have had all season, but the journey is not over for them. They now have the second-best team in the country up next.
While the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to take on the Indiana Hoosiers, Brian Hartline has been linked to some head coaching opportunities. Earlier this season, the offensive coordinator was linked to the open Penn State job. That seems to have fizzled out.
Now, Hartline has been linked to a new opening in the SEC. Hartline has been connected to the newly opened Kentucky job. That would mean that the Buckeyes would have to replace an offensive coordinator for the second straight season if he were to leave.
Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline linked to Kentucky head coaching job
Hartline would certainly be a better fit at Kentucky than he would be at Penn State. Since he doesn't have any prior head coaching experience, the job with the Wildcats wouldn't be as big. He would be afforded to work through some mistakes in his first couple of years.
Of course, the Buckeyes would prefer to keep Hartline around as long as possible. He is their most valuable recruiter and has done a pretty good job as a first-year play-caller. Hartline certainly has a lot of growth that he can still give at Ohio State. Ryan Day wants to keep him if at all possible.
Hartline sniffing around other jobs while Ohio State is in the midst of a College Football Playoff run would be less than ideal. Still, with the way the college football calendar is set, that is likely what will have to happen if he wants to be a head coach at some point.
Right now, Hartline is focused on beating Indiana. That focus might shift in the next couple of weeks, though.