The Wisconsin Badgers are officially on the hunt for an offensive coordinator after re-opening the position last night with a firing.

Phil Longo was hired with huge expectations involving igniting an “air-raid” offense that would allow Wisconsin to conquer the air. However, Longo failed to deliver on those expectations whether it be due to the fact that the coach never had his starting quarterback or the fact that his play-calling has been ineffective. The Wisconsin Badgers made the decision to move on from Longo, although the team and fans still hope the coach finds success in the future.

With the new opening, one name has consistently been mentioned regarding a possible upgrade in his current profession. Brian Hartline, a former NFL wide receiver and Ohio State Buckeyes receiver, has been someone who has both the ties and success that Wisconsin truly needs. Badgers coach Luke Fickell and Hartline never shared the field together at Ohio State, but both have a close relationship with the school.

Hartline is currently the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes in his eighth season with the program. The wide receiver dipped into the coaching world as a quality control coach for the wide receivers with Ohio State in 2017.

Since then, Hartline has worked his way up the offensive ladder and served as the offensive coordinator last season. Hartline was notably demoted as Chip Kelly was hired to serve as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the team. The co-offensive coordinator works closely alongside the offensive coordinator, and in the case of Hartline, the co-offensive coordinator works on the field.

Don’t forget Brian Hartline was demoted to co OC before the season…Fick has ties. Could he steal a gem from the Buckeyes? He’s also an exceptional recruiter

— Mark (@DUD6887) November 17, 2024

While Hartline is an Ohio State Buckeyes diehard through and through, the coach may seek a promotion if it were to come from a fellow alumni.

Could Brian Hartline Join the Wisconsin Badgers Football Staff Next Season?

While Hartline joining the Wisconsin Badgers staff would be an excellent marriage, it might not be as easy of a hire to land.

Currently, Ohio State is the second-ranked school in the country according to the National Championship polls. With a 9-1 record and possible path to the championship, Hartline might have quite the long season ahead of him if the Buckeyes make it all the way through the playoffs. If the Buckeyes make it all the way and Hartline sticks things out, which seems true to his nature, then the coach would not join the Badgers staff until late January or early February.

The flip side of the potential job offer from the Wisconsin Badgers is that Hartline would have much more flexibility in Madison. Hartline was given one season as the offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes before receiving a demotion in the most shocking way, with Chip Kelly resigning from a coaching role to take the coordinator role.

Hartline previously struggled with the offensive coordinator duties, but one could also argue that the coach was not given much of a chance. The Buckeyes finished 11-2 with an average of 30.5-points per game and 26 passing touchdowns (46 total offensive touchdowns) last season.

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