Columbus, Ohio — On the surface, Ohio State football appears primed for another title run. With a roster loaded with blue-chip talent, a favorable Big Ten schedule, and sky-high expectations, everything seems aligned. But beneath the veneer of confidence and continuity, trouble may be brewing inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center — and it’s not because of the players. It’s about the power dynamics at the top.
Head coach Ryan Day, already one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, is reportedly set to receive a $2 million raise, pushing his total compensation close to $9 million annually. While that may seem like a justifiable reward for sustained excellence, the timing and implications of such a move have ignited rumors that offensive coordinator Brian Hartline — one of the program’s most respected assistant coaches — is quietly considering an exit from the program.
This situation is less about numbers and more about influence, autonomy, and ambition. And with the Buckeyes chasing national glory, internal turmoil is the last thing they need.
The Raise That Started It All
Ohio State hasn’t officially announced Ryan Day’s contract adjustment, but multiple sources inside the Big Ten coaching circle suggest the $2 million raise is all but finalized. The new terms reportedly include:
- A base salary increase from $7 million to approximately $9 million
- Enhanced performance-based bonuses (playoff wins, national championship)
- Contract extension through 2031
To the outside world, it appears to be a vote of confidence — a commitment to Day after three straight Playoff appearances, even if Michigan has recently gotten the better of him. But internally, some see the raise as a restructuring of power that leaves other top assistants, especially Hartline, feeling increasingly marginalized.
Brian Hartline: The Heart of OSU’s Offensive Machine
For years, Brian Hartline has been the architect behind Ohio State’s wide receiver dominance. A former Buckeye and NFL veteran, Hartline has recruited and developed stars like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr.. His reputation as one of the best recruiters and developers of talent in college football is unchallenged.
In 2023, he was promoted to offensive coordinator, a move widely applauded by fans and media. But Day never relinquished play-calling duties. And while Hartline held the title, insiders say his input on game day was limited — a symbolic promotion, not a functional one.
When Matt Patricia was brought in earlier this year as “co-coordinator” to assist on offense and defense, eyebrows were raised. The move blurred Hartline’s role further. Despite public unity, several reports suggest that Hartline has grown frustrated with being a “figurehead OC” with little to no strategic control over the offense he helped build.
The Tension Behind Closed Doors
According to sources close to the program, Hartline has expressed dissatisfaction with the current setup:
“Brian thought he was going to be calling plays by now. Instead, it feels like Day is tightening his grip,” said one anonymous coach with knowledge of the situation. “The Patricia hire only made things worse.”
The frustration doesn’t necessarily stem from money — though Hartline earns far less than Day or Patricia — but from a lack of clarity and recognition. Day, a former quarterback and QB coach, has always maintained control of the offense. For Hartline, that’s become an issue of professional development. He’s 38 years old and considered a rising star. If he can’t run the offense at Ohio State, he might choose to do it elsewhere.
Could Hartline Leave?
The rumors about Hartline weighing a departure have grown louder in recent weeks, especially after Day’s raise was leaked. While no formal interviews have taken place, Hartline has reportedly fielded interest from:
- Multiple SEC programs in need of a dynamic play-caller
- NFL teams, especially those looking for WR or passing-game specialists
- Group of Five head coaching vacancies
The likelihood of Hartline jumping midseason remains slim, but if Ohio State doesn’t clarify his responsibilities or compensate him appropriately, a post-season exit feels more plausible than ever.
This isn’t just speculation. Remember, Jeff Hafley, Day’s former co-defensive coordinator, left for the Boston College head coaching job after one season. Similarly, Kevin Wilson departed for Tulsa. Hartline may follow suit — only with far more national attention.
What This Means for Ohio State
Losing Hartline wouldn’t just hurt on the field — it would shake the very foundation of the Buckeyes’ recruiting pipeline. He’s not just an elite recruiter; he’s a relationship builder. Hartline has been directly responsible for landing multiple 5-star receivers and quarterbacks. His presence in Columbus has helped the Buckeyes out-recruit SEC powers, a feat few northern programs can boast.
Worse, a Hartline exit could start a domino effect:
- Offensive recruits might reconsider commitments.
- Other assistants might seek opportunities where their value is acknowledged.
- Perception of Day as a micromanager could grow louder, affecting future staff hirings.
Is Ryan Day Overplaying His Hand?
There’s no question that Ryan Day has earned success — his win-loss record speaks for itself. But Day’s refusal to delegate and empower his staff has become a repeated concern. From defense to special teams to offense, Day has struggled to fully let go.
By securing a massive raise and locking in long-term control, Day may be centralizing power at the expense of collaboration. In the modern coaching era — where coordinator autonomy is crucial to staff retention — that strategy could backfire.
Some boosters have even begun to murmur that Day’s ego is getting in the way of OSU’s best interest.
“If Day really wants to win a natty, he needs to step back and let his assistants shine,” said one longtime OSU donor. “Otherwise, guys like Hartline will walk — and take our future with them.”
What Must Happen Next
If Ohio State wants to avoid disaster and preserve its elite coaching staff, it must take immediate action:
1. Clarify Roles
Give Hartline either full play-calling duties or a clearly defined co-coordinator position with shared authority.
2. Boost Hartline’s Compensation
Even if it’s not a full extension, OSU must reward Hartline’s value financially — especially now that Day is getting a bump.
3. Public Unity
Hold a press conference or joint interview where both Day and Hartline publicly affirm their partnership and vision.
4. Long-Term Planning
OSU should consider grooming Hartline as a future head coach, either at Ohio State or elsewhere with Buckeye blessings. Burning this bridge would be shortsighted.
Eyes on the 2025 Season
The 2025 campaign was already shaping up as a pressure-packed year. Now, internal dynamics will draw just as much attention as performance.
- If the Buckeyes start slow offensively, the criticism will fall squarely on Day’s insistence on maintaining control.
- If Hartline seems disengaged or takes a backseat in media appearances, fans and insiders will read between the lines.
- Recruits are watching. So are agents. So are other programs.
This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of Ohio State football.
Final Thoughts: A Program at a Crossroads
Ohio State is not in crisis — yet. But it is at a crossroads. The $2 million raise for Ryan Day may solidify his standing, but it has also exposed the delicate balance of power and ambition within one of college football’s most prestigious programs.
If Hartline walks, it will be more than just the loss of a great assistant. It would signal a culture problem — one where power and title outweigh respect and collaboration.
Ohio State fans know what’s at stake. They’ve seen this story before. In a sport where the margins are razor-thin, and culture can make or break a dynasty, how the Buckeyes handle this internal drama may define their next decade.
