Ohio State's loss means Brian Hartline heads to USF sooner than he wanted

The Brian Hartline Era at USF will start a little sooner than expected.

Hartiline had agreed that he wouldn't begin his new role as the Bulls head football coach until his job as Ohio State's offensive coordinator ended. That happened abruptly Wednesday night when the heavily favored Buckeyes lost to Miami 24-14 in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff.

Miami led 14-0 halftime but had to hold off a an Ohio State rally in the second half. It ended the Buckeyes' chance of repeating as the national champions after winning the title a year ago, but from USF's standpoint it also released Hartline to assume his new duties.

Hartline, who had been linked to many jobs, was hired to lead the Bulls shortly after former head coach Alex Golesh left to lead Auburn. His hiring was considered a coup by USF, which agreed to let him stay at Ohio State until the Buckeyes' season ended.

Hartline served as OSU's play-caller during this season for the Buckeyes this season, but head coach Ryan Day took over that role for this game. He said it was because in part because Hartline had too much on his plate while trying to prepare for a playoff game while assembling a coaching staff and other issues at USF.

Hartilne has largely assembled his coaching staff at USF, including offensive and defensive coordinators. He will inherit a roster minus quarterback Byum Brown and key receiver Keyshaun Singleton, who have declared their intention to enter the Transfer Portal on January 2.

In addition to the portal, USF faces National Signing Day on February 4. With only two quarerbacks on the roster, Hartlne likely needs to add at least two veterans through the portal and one or more on Signing Day.