Introduction
Brian Hartline is a former NFL wide receiver turned top-level college football coach. Today, he serves as the Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach for Ohio State Buckeyes. His journey — from Canton, Ohio to NFL fields and then to coaching — along with a strong family background, significant earnings, and a high-profile ATV accident, make him a noteworthy figure. Here’s a full look at his career, earnings, personal life and accident.
Early Life & Playing Career
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Brian Hartline was born on November 22, 1986 in Canton, Ohio.
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He played college football at Ohio State University from 2005–2008.
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In the 2009 NFL Draft, he was selected in the 4th round (108th overall).
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During his NFL career (2009–2015), he played for the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns. Over 104 games (73 starts), he recorded 344 receptions for 4,766 yards and 14 touchdowns.
This period laid the foundation for his later career in coaching, giving him first-hand experience at the highest level of football.
Coaching Career & Current Role
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After retiring from playing, Hartline returned to Ohio State in 2017 as a graduate assistant.
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In 2018, he became interim Wide Receivers (WR) coach — after staff changes — and the role was made permanent by end of 2018.
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From 2019 onwards he was full-time WR coach; in 2021 he was promoted to Passing Game Coordinator + WR coach.
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In January 2023, he became Offensive Coordinator for the Buckeyes.
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As of 2025, Hartline remains Offensive Coordinator & Wide Receivers Coach for Ohio State.
Under him, Ohio State’s offense and wide receiver program have thrived — he’s widely regarded as a top recruiter and talent developer.
Salary & Net Worth
Salary
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According to public records for 2023, Hartline’s salary as an assistant coach at Ohio State was $1,754,908.
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His contract as Offensive Coordinator reportedly pays him $1.6 million annually.
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In 2022, his total compensation was around $1,031,233 — showing a substantial rise with his promotion.
Net Worth
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His net worth is commonly estimated around $14 million, reflecting both his playing career and coaching earnings.
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This accumulation comes from a mixture of NFL contracts, coaching salary, and off-season business ventures.
Thus, Hartline has successfully transitioned from a professional athlete to a high-earning coach, securing long-term financial stability.
Personal Life: Wife & Family
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Hartline is married to Kara Conard (often spelled “Kara”), who was a nurse. They tied the knot in 2016.
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The couple met during their time at Ohio State, though their relationship blossomed after Hartline began his NFL career.
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They have three children: two sons — Brayden and Kameron — and a daughter — Brooklyn.
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The family lives near Columbus, Ohio. Outside football, Hartline also owns convenience stores (with a partner) and has been involved in business ventures during offseason.
Kara shifted from nursing into homemaking and focused on raising their children, while also sharing glimpses of family-life and farm-style living on social media.
ATV Accident: What Happened?
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On April 16, 2023, Hartline was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries after an ATV (side-by-side) crash on his property near Liberty Township, Ohio.
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The crash occurred around 1:20 a.m., a day after Ohio State’s spring game.
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He and a friend — not affiliated with Ohio State — were taken to Riverside Hospital.
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Hartline himself posted on social media:
“I crashed my side by side on my property and have been taken to the hospital for further evaluation. I am doing well.”
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According to reports, his sister told 911 that alcohol was involved before the vehicle flipped.
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Fortunately, no life-threatening injuries were reported, and Hartline was released shortly after into recovery.
The accident generated much attention, especially given his role as a leader and mentor to young athletes — making it a cautionary moment in his otherwise successful career.
Legacy & Outlook
Brian Hartline has built a notable legacy both as a former NFL receiver and as a top-tier coach at Ohio State. His reputation as a recruiter, developer of talent, and offensive mind has made him a pivotal figure in college football. His financial success and stable family life underscore a well-rounded personal profile.
However, the ATV accident also reminds that public figures, even with stellar careers, face scrutiny — especially when safety and responsibility are concerned.
Given his relatively young age and strong coaching trajectory, Hartline’s career — and net worth — will likely continue to grow. His influence on future wide receivers and offensive strategies at Ohio State may cement his status among the elite coaches in college football.
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