Ryan Day has never been one to shy away from bold decisions, but the latest shake-up in Columbus feels less like calculated strategy and more like necessity. With offensive coordinator Chip Kelly making a stunning return to the NFL. Day scrambled to find a new offensive coordinator for the 2025 season and the team’s title defense. The Ohio State Buckeyes had one of the most prolific offenses in America this past season, averaging 35.7 points per game and even more per game in the playoffs. The transition, to say the least, is going to be anything but seamless.

And he sure did. Ryan Day found one at home. According to On3 Sports, co-offensive coordinator & wide receivers coach Brian Hartline is being given the reins again to run the whole offense. Hartline, who previously held the title of offensive coordinator in 2023 but was effectively demoted when Kelly was brought in, is now tasked with leading an offense that will look drastically different from the one that just got their 9 national title.

There’s no questioning Hartline’s pedigree when it comes to developing elite wide receiver talent. Under his watch, Ohio State has become a veritable factory for first-round NFL receivers, churning out the likes of Garrett Wilson and many more. But calling plays and scheming an entire offense is an entirely different beast, and the Buckeyes already learned that the hard way when Day initially attempted to pass off play-calling duties in 2023. Now, with Kelly gone, Ohio State is essentially being forced to revisit a plan that was abandoned just a year ago.

Adding to the uncertainty is the departure of quarterback Will Howard, leaving the Buckeyes in a precarious position under center. While there is no shortage of talent on the roster, breaking in a new signal-caller under a first-time (again) play-caller is a gamble that could go sideways in a hurry. The offense that torched teams in 2024 was built on efficiency, balance, and a high level of execution, and it’s fair to wonder whether Hartline can replicate that formula with a fresh cast of characters. If the Cotton Bowl rematch against Texas is any indication, Ohio State won’t have much time to get up to speed.

Hartline, to his credit, isn’t running from the challenge. He’s made it clear that he’s open to new opportunities, even hinting at a willingness to listen to other job offers before ultimately staying put in Columbus. “What the journey brings me, I really don’t know,” he admitted before Ohio State’s Rose Bowl win over Oregon. “The reason I became a coach is because I was willing to take conversation. I’m always going to be that way. I’m always going to listen, always going to talk.” It’s a candid acknowledgment of the uncertainty surrounding his career trajectory, but it also raises a valid question—if Hartline was already considering his next move, is he truly the long-term answer for Ohio State’s offense?

By initially hiring Kelly, he essentially admitted that Hartline wasn’t ready to lead the offense on his own. Now, with no external options available on short notice, he’s back to banking on internal continuity. But is this really about confidence in Hartline, or is it more about keeping Ohio State’s elite wide receiver pipeline intact? Some within the fanbase have speculated that Hartline’s value as a recruiter—particularly in retaining top talent like Jeremiah Smith—made it nearly impossible for the program to move on from him. That, in itself, speaks volumes about where things stand.

Buckeye nation drew a hardline on Ryan Day and Hartline

Of course, the ultimate verdict on this decision will be rendered on the field. If Ohio State’s offense doesn’t skip a beat and Hartline proves that he’s more than just a great position coach, then all of these concerns will fade away. On On3’s Instagram post, fans commented. “Wasn’t he already their offensive coordinator for a year and they demoted him? Are they so afraid to lose his elite WR recruiting or current players like Jeremiah Smith that they won’t/can’t move on from the guy or hire anyone that won’t retain him as their WR coach?” one fan pointed out.

Others were more direct in their critiques. “Bad move. He can recruit but can’t coach,” one fan bluntly stated. Recruiting prowess is undeniably important, but at the end of the day, results on the field matter more. Perhaps the most pressing concern is whether Hartline will actually call plays this time around. “Will he actually call plays this year?” one fan asked, echoing a sentiment that has lingered ever since his first stint as offensive coordinator. One even suggested a name, “Why not gurrieri” Ohio State safeties coach Matt Guerrieri could be an option as per the user.

If Ryan Day continues to have a heavy hand in play-calling, it could create an awkward dynamic where Hartline holds the title but not the authority. And, of course, there was at least one Michigan fan chiming in with a simple but cutting remark: “More sacks for 〽️.” For Ohio State, that would be a nightmare scenario.