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UCLA football: Top 5 head coaching candidates who could replace Chip Kelly

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 16, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith looks onto the field during the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith looks onto the field during the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline laughs during warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.
Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline laughs during warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. /

4. Brian Hartline, Ohio State offensive coordinator

Brian Hartline is a name that has popped up a few times in terms of other coaching searches and I suspect that’s going to keep happening as long as Ohio State keeps winning.

The offense in Columbus has been really strong this year, led by Kyle McCord.

This is Hartline’s first year as the acting offensive coordinator in Columbus and I would not be shocked to see him get some calls about Group of Five jobs right away, but I think he’s probably ready to lead his own Power Five program. Why not one that’s coming to the Big Ten next season and has the resources to succeed on the West Coast, recruiting-wise?

Hartline is known as a top-tier recruiter and whatever program hires him as a head coach is going to get just that. Sure, it’s easy to recruit at Ohio State, but he’s landing and developing the most elite receivers in the country every single year. He’s gifted in that regard.

If UCLA wants to take a chance on a young coordinator with a bright future to lead the program into a new conference, Hartline is the guy.

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