USF boldly gets its guy, landing Brian Hartline to replace Alex Golesh

Be bold.

That's the motto they live by at the University of South Florida, but it's more than just words. It's an attitude combined with a little swagger to bring about results that others who might not believe is possible.

To those experts who don't pay attention to what's happening on Fowler Avenue in Tampa, coaches like Brian Hartline are supposed to be out of USF's reach. You know, it's that whole dismissive attitude toward Group of Five programs.

Hartline, the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at THE Ohio State University (for now), seemed destined to land at a Power 4 school for his first head coaching job.

As late as last weekend, there was a growing belief Hartline could end up at Penn State.

Well, surprise!

Rob Higgins, USF's CEO of Athletics, had his eye fixed on Hartline even before former head coach Alex Golesh departed for Auburn. When rumors swirled last week about Golesh, Higgins said he would be ready for any eventuality. And when that departure became official, the USF leadership team pushed its chips to the middle of the table to convince Hartline that USF was the right place for him to go.

Hartline, officially hired Wednesday with a six-year contract as USF's new head football coach, actually has a lot of things in common with the guy he will be replacing.

Like Golesh, Hartline grew up in Ohio and coached at THE Ohio State University. He was the offensive coordinator/quarterback coach for an explosive Buckeyes offense this season that was one of the best in the country. As we know, Golesh also knew a thing or two about running an offense.

Golesh proved his recruiting chops during three years at USF, but anyone worried about the Bulls' recruiting because of his departure to Auburn should probably chill. Hartline's recruiting wins over the years, especially with receivers, are almost legendary and, yes, several of them came from Florida.

Jeremiah Smith of Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, is arguably the best wide receiver in the country. Smith spurned Miami after hearing Hartline's pitch. Brandon Inniss of American Heritage in Plantation caught a TD last Saturday in the Buckeyes' whomping of Michigan.

Carnell Tate of Bradenton's IMG Academy led Buckeye receivers at Michigan with 82 yards and a touchdown. Bryson Rodgers of Wiregrass Ranch is another member of that elite receiving corps.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans can tell you all about receiver Emeka Egbuka. He's a Hartline guy. So is Marvin Harrison, Jr., Chris Olave, and quarterback CJ Stroud , Here's a more detailed list of his recruiting succcess stories, per 247Sports.

But Hartline has one thing Golesh has yet to achieve.

He has a national championship ring, earned last season. And with the Buckeyes unbeaten and ranked No. 1 heading into this week's Big Ten championship game, Hartline might have another Natty before he heads to Tampa. He is going to stay with the Buckeyes for as long as their playoff goes.

That's OK. His reputation precedes him.

“I’m really happy for he and his family,” Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said. “The fact that he gets an opportunity to do this. He’s put in a lot of hard work here at Ohio State as a player and now as a coach. That’s part of the profession, and that’s, as a head coach, gratifying to see one of your assistants get one of these opportunities.

“I think he’s going to do great. I think it’s a great opportunity for him. Looking forward to seeing how he does. That’s exciting for him.”

Interestingly, Hartline is the third straight offensive coordinator hired from a power program to lead USF football without having previously been a head coach.

Jeff Scott ... uh, never mind. Let us speak no more of him.

Golesh? He deserves much, much credit for rebuilding USF from the ashes left in the wake of what's-his-name's departure.

Hartline will start with advantages Golesh never had at the start, but managed to build. The USF football program is in great shape and can boldly proceed, hopefully without missing a step.

And the fact that this was announced on Early Signing Day is the cherry on top. This could be the Bulls' biggest recruting win of the year.