Brian Hartline is promising a future of championships for the University of South Florida after being introduced as the school’s new head football coach.
During a press conference Monday morning at the Alumni Center located on USF’s Tampa campus, Hartline received an ovation filled with applause as he thanked the university for this new coaching opportunity and for welcoming him as part of the community.
“I am honored and humbled for this world-class opportunity,” Hartline said. “I always felt like Florida was my second home.”
The former National Championship winner spoke about promoting a goal of a “championship mentality” for USF’s football team and competing at the highest level. Additionally, he spoke about focusing on the alignment of staff and personnel throughout the organization.
“We’re not here to change, we’re here to enhance,” he said. “The time is now for USF football.”
USF CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins and USF President Rhea Law also spoke highly about Hartline’s future with Tampa’s premier college football team.
“Welcome to the most exciting chapter of USF football yet,” Higgins said. “We thankfully found the right leader, and the right leader chose us.”
“Coach, I can’t wait to see where you’re going to take us,” Law said. “I’m so proud to welcome you and your family to USF and the whole community.”
Hartline, who is currently Ohio State’s offensive coordinator through the Big Ten Championship game and the College Football Playoff, replaces Alex Golesh, who left for Auburn in late November.
“Brian Hartline was our clear-cut first choice to lead our football program into the most exciting era in program history, and I am so fired up to have him leading the Bulls,” Higgins previously said in a statement.
Hartline has been an integral part of Ohio State’s run of success. The defending national champions are ranked No. 3 in the AP Top 25 college football rankings.
Hartline played wide receiver at Ohio State and spent seven seasons in the NFL, including six with the Miami Dolphins.
