Brian Hartline is stealing one key strategy from Chip Kelly ahead of Ohio State's Week 1 showdown with Texas

While Hartline didn't expand on the decision, it's easy to look back at what Kelly and Day said last August to find the pros of being higher and away from the action. Day said the organization that comes with having space is part of it.

“I think, for him, being able to get organized up there. He’s got the tablet up there. He’s got his call sheet up there. He can really be clean after every series. I think that’s one of the things two that he and I were talking about was that when you’re on the sideline and you’re the head coach, you have your call sheet, but it’s hard to get your next series ready when you’re doing all these other things.”

Kelly had been used to being a head coach in the NFL or college for years, minus 2009, so that was a big change at the moment. The new Las Vegas Raiders general manager has adjusted, and Hartline's willingness to try it his way could benefit the offense as much as anything else.

“When you’re up there, you’ve got a desk, you can sit down and you get your thoughts organized for the next series,” Day said. “You can go through everything. You can communicate well. So, that’s gonna be his plan.”

Kelly’s 2024 offense used more outside zone runs compared to past seasons, and he loves a stretch design. The Buckeyes’ run game was problematic before Kelly arrived, so it’ll be critical for Hartline to continue the positive growth that Ohio State created in the trenches.

Talent was part of that, and the Buckeyes’ offensive line lost three starters this offseason. With two new tackles and a center taking those openings, plus a completely revamped running back room, there’s a ton of moving parts.

It’ll be a challenge for Hartline to step in and create a dominant offense, but Day’s offensive foundation and guiding hand are a tremendous advantage. If nothing else, the Buckeyes know their talent can carry them when everything bogs down.

The key will be for Hartline to vary looks and maximize an embarrassment of weaponry. It sounds easier than it will be, but Day’s core base of the unit is good enough to be confident in.