Once Chip Kelly left to become the offensive coordinator of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Ohio State football team knew what they were going to do. Ryan Day made the decision to promote Brian Hartline to the head coordinating job, even though he was the co-offensive coordinator for each of the last two seasons.
With Hartline getting the job, there were questions about whether or not Day might end up calling plays again, as he did prior to the 2024 season. In 2023, Hartline was promoted to co-OC and was initially given play-calling duties, but Day ultimately called the plays in that season.
Day wanted to make things absolutely clear about where the play-calling will be coming from next season. That's especially true after Keenan Bailey was promoted to co-offensive coordinator. In a recent interview, Day made it clear that Hartline would be calling plays in 2025.
Ohio State football coach Ryan Day clarifies that Brian Hartline will be calling plays in 2025
In a recent interview with 10TV in Columbus, Day says that Hartline will be calling plays. Hartline will finally get a chance to call plays for the first time in his career. Day mentioned that Hartline's loyalty over the years was a factor in the decision to give him the job.
Having a first-time play-caller along with a new starting quarterback might be a little scary for Ohio State football fans. That's understandable, but Hartline still has a lot of talent to work with. His wide receivers unit is still the best receiver unit in the entire country.
The Buckeyes feel confident that he can succeed in this new role. If they weren't, they wouldn't have put him in the position. Hartline has been waiting for this chance, and he's going to make the best of it. There will be mistakes early on, but it's how he learns from those mistakes that will define his first year as a coordinator.
Ohio State will be back on the field next month for the start of Spring practice as they begin their title defense. They feel good about their opportunity to repeat.