Brian Hartline explains why he gets more nervous ahead of lesser opponents

Known as one of the best recruiters in all of college football, Ohio State promoted Brian Hartline to the role of offensive coordinator this season. Like anyone else, he deals with nerves. However, he strangely gets more nervous against lesser opponents.

Hartline explained this during an appearance on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast.

“From a grading standpoint, absolutely. It’s like a different mindset,” Brian Hartline said. “But, I’m actually more uncomfortable against maybe a lesser foe than the other ones because the rivalry and those games, they take care of themselves. The only way you don’t take care of business if you’re not mentally ready to like turn it on like you are. That’s the biggest worry for me. So, those are the ones that worry you more than the other ones. Boys are gonna be ready for those.”

As Brian Hartline explained, the best way to handle things is to be professional and stay focused on every opponent.

“The other ones, are like could they talk themselves out of it? Those are the ones you worry about, in my opinion. So, again, you gotta make sure you put these guys in a good position and they have to execute, but if you’ve got pros-pros, no issue. Those are the ones that worry me.”

At the same time, Brian Hartline doesn’t lack confidence overall. During that same appearance, Hartline explained that he thinks he could beat every other offensive coordinator in a fight.

“Oh yeah. Any OC in the country. They’re all losing. Oh yeah. Beat them all,” Hartline said.

“Like I tell my players, if you can’t see yourself as the dude, you’re never gonna be the dude. You ever met a dude that didn’t know he was the dude? Like if you don’t view yourself as that person, you’re never gonna be that person.”

Brian Hartline on his ambitious future plans

Becoming the offensive coordinator at a program like Ohio State isn’t easy. However, as Brian Hartline explained, he has more ambitious career goals in the long term.

“In my soul, I’m an NFL guy. I love the NFL. I think it’s the all-star league of college football. I don’t care where you’re from, what school. Small, big. Like, it’s the best players in the world. There’s no better other players,” Hartline explained.

“I love the degree of separation being so small. So, I love my alma mater, Ohio State. My heart is in the NFL. One day, I think I will want to coach there. That’s the reality of it.”