What Brian Hartline accepting the USF job means for Penn State's coaching search

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Penn State’s search for James Franklin’s successor has narrowed even further after Brian Hartline accepted the head coaching position at South Florida, eliminating another prominent candidate from consideration and intensifying the pressure on the Nittany Lions to secure their next leader.

Hartline was considered a serious contender

Since Franklin’s firing on October 12 following a disastrous 3–3 start and subsequent collapse, Penn State has cast a wide net. Hartline — the current offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach at Ohio State Buckeyes — had repeatedly surfaced in media as a legitimate target, known for his elite WR-room performance, recruiting clout, and NFL pedigree.

With High-level offensive minds thin on the ground this cycle, Hartline stood out: youthful energy, player development track record, and familiarity with Big Ten football.

What his departure to USF signals for Penn State

Hartline’s exit quietly closes the door on a candidate who could’ve offered a fresh offensive identity and a star WR recruiting pipeline. For Penn State, that means one less top-tier audition — and arguably one fewer “big name” to persuade. Some insiders are already calling Penn State’s decision not to aggressively pursue him “short-sighted.”

Coaching search gets more urgent — and complicated

Penn State’s search was already becoming drawn-out. With high-profile targets like Hartline now opting elsewhere, the pressure mounts on Athletic Department leadership. The longer it drags on, the harder it becomes to reassure recruits, retain current players, or stabilize staff.

Recruiting and momentum take a hit

The strongest attribute on Hartline’s résumé was his unmatched ability to develop receivers — five first-round NFL WRs under his tutelage — and turn that reputation into top-tier recruiting classes.

Penn State currently faces uncertainty in its recruiting footprint and roster depth, especially after staff departures following Franklin’s exit. The loss of Hartline as a candidate may shift the urgency of filling those gaps before momentum erodes further.

What Penn State must do next

With Hartline gone, the program must pivot quickly. That means reconsidering other top-tier candidates (or rising coordinators), accelerating hiring timelines, and communicating clearly with players and recruits to avoid instability. Some in the fanbase and media believe Penn State now needs a coach not just with pedigree, but with urgency and capacity to rebuild on the fly.

Bottom Line

Brian Hartline’s acceptance of the USF job doesn’t end Penn State’s search — but it narrows it sharply. A name that carried weight, promise, and recruiting juice is out.

Penn State now must recalibrate quickly. The clock is ticking. The stakes are high. And with each passing day without a hire, the risk grows that the program slips further into uncertainty — on and off the field.

Related: Penn State’s coaching search narrows again as the final wave of candidates comes into focus

This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Dec 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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