USF Athletics

Brown made the decision after discussions with new head coach Brian Hartline, but he will be on the sideline assisting interim coach Kevin Patrick, according to Athletics CEO Rob Higgins.

Brian Hartline’s plan will begin with bonding with the team. He added it has been difficult juggling responsibilities between USF and Ohio State, where he will finish out the postseason.

The university announces the offensive coordinator for the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes, the nation's defending champs, will replace Alex Golesh, who bolted for Auburn.

Alex Golesh said he got the Auburn offer at 1 a.m. Sunday, and signed it immediately. Assistant Kevin Patrick will be USF's interim coach for the bowl and Athletics CEO Rob Higgins says a coaching search is underway.

Coach Alex Golesh said he hasn't had time to process "outside opportunities" before USF rolled to an easy ninth victory on Senior Night. Byrum Brown became only the 12th player to reach the 3,000/1,000 mark.

Alex Golesh, who took a moribund Bulls program to three winning seasons, reportedly has a chance to jump to the SEC. USF Athletics CEO Rob Higgins says the university is prepared for whatever happens.

Coach Alex Golesh says the planned 150,000-square-foot facility, part of the $407 million on-campus stadium project, will be the “nicest football complex in the entire country.”

The College Football Playoff committee did not have a G5 team in its top 25, but said Memphis was first in line. Thanks to Memphis' loss Friday, that will almost certainly change when the committee's next rankings come out.

USF was up 14-3 before its offense stepped on the field. Then QB Byrum Brown accounted for 348 total yards and three touchdowns as the Bulls kept their chances alive for a CFP bid.

About 1,500 students and fans — many with handmade signs — showed up to cheer on the Bulls during ESPN's visit to the Tampa campus ahead of the nationally televised victory over UTSA.

Bulls students and fans are invited to watch and participate in the telecasts outside the Marshall Student Center prior to the nationally televised football against UTSA.

Interim head coach Michele Woods-Baxter says her 17 years of winning on Jose Fernandez's staff prepared her for the moment he decided to move on two weeks ago. USF opens the season Monday against FIU.