Mike Hartline, a name synonymous with Kentucky football, is set to return to his alma mater in a new role as an offensive analyst.
The 36-year-old native of Canton, Ohio, has made significant strides in his coaching career since his days as a standout quarterback for the Wildcats, and now he’s ready to contribute to the program that helped shape him.
Hartline began at GlenOak High School, where he became the starting quarterback midway through his sophomore season. By the time he graduated, he had thrown for 1,523 yards and six touchdowns while also showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with 533 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
His brother, Brian Hartline, also made waves in the football world, playing at Ohio State and currently serving as the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Buckeyes.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Kentucky in May 2011, Hartline signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. Although he never saw game action in the NFL, his passion for the game led him to coaching. He began his coaching career as an intern at Ohio State in 2015, where he worked under renowned coaches like Urban Meyer and Luke Fickell.
Hartline’s coaching resume is impressive. He spent two years at Ohio State before moving to Cincinnati as an offensive quality control coach and assistant quarterbacks coach. During his tenure with the Bearcats, he helped guide the team to an 11-2 record in 2018, culminating in a Military Bowl victory over Virginia Tech.
His next stop was Ohio Dominican University, where he served as offensive coordinator for three seasons. Under his leadership, the Panthers averaged 381.5 yards per game in 2021 at the NCAA Division-II level, earning accolades for their offensive prowess.
In November 2022, Hartline was promoted to quarterbacks coach at Auburn after initially joining the program as an offensive analyst. His time at Auburn was marked by a commitment to developing young talent and implementing effective offensive strategies.
The 2023 season saw Hartline serve as the wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator at Charlotte. He then transitioned to Coastal Carolina as an offensive analyst for the 2024 season, contributing to the team’s performance in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.
Now, with his brother Brian reportedly being promoted to offensive coordinator at Ohio State and Mike back at Kentucky, the Hartline family continues to make waves in the coaching world.
At Kentucky, Hartline will serve in a support role for offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan, taking advantage of the NCAA’s recent rule changes that allow quality control coaches and analysts to provide on-field instruction during practices and games. This opportunity marks a full-circle moment for Hartline, who was an All-SEC selection as a quarterback at Kentucky and earned Offensive MVP honors in the 2008 Liberty Bowl.
Hartline’s return to Kentucky is not just a professional milestone, but also a personal one. As he steps into this new role, Hartline brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the program’s culture, making him a valuable asset to the Wildcats as they look to build on their recent underwhelming season.
With a rich history as both a player and a coach, Hartline is poised to make a significant impact at Kentucky, helping to shape the next generation of Wildcats while continuing his family’s legacy in college football.