Harlon Barnett Finds New Job With Big Ten Program
Harlon Barnett, Michigan State's longtime defensive backs coach and 2023 interim head coach, has found a new job in the Big Ten Conference after being passed over for the Spartans' head coach opening in November.
According to a report from 247Sports' Matt Zenitz, Barnett has been hired by Northwestern as the Wildcats' new defensive backs coach. Zenitz report was collaborated by ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.
Barnett had been a staple on Michigan State's coaching staff for much of the past two decades, having spent 15 out of his 17 years coaching college football in East Lansing. Barnett spent 11 seasons under former head coach Mark Dantonio as the Spartans defensive backs, also taking on a co-defensive coordinator role in his final three seasons under Dantonio. Barnett then left to become the full-time defensive coordinator at Florida State, but was relieved of his duties after then-Seminole head coach Willie Taggart was fired.
Barnett was then brough back to Michigan State as defensive backs coach under Mel Tucker in 2020. He served in that role throughout Tucker's tenure in East Lansing, and was named interim head coach for the final 10 games of MSU's 2023 season after Tucker was suspended and eventually fired by the university amidst sexual harassment claims. The Spartans went 2-8 with Barnett serving as the interim, and although it was the 57-year-old's dream to be given a chance as Michigan State's future head coach, athletic director Alan Haller instead hired Oregon State's Jonathan Smith for the job.
During the month of December, there was speculation that Smith may keep Barnett on staff, either as an on-field assistant or in an advisory role. However, no agreement between the coaches was reached and Barnett moved on. Smith brought with him Oregon State secondary coach, Blue Adams, for the same role at MSU, and also hired Oregon cornerbacks coach and another former Spartan player, Demetrius Smith, to coach cornerbacks in East Lansing.
Barnett will now coach defensive backs at Northwestern under second-year head coach David Braun. The Wildcats were one of the top turnaround stories of college football in 2023. After longtime head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired in July amidst allegations he ignored signs of hazing within his program, Northwestern named Braun, Fitzgerald's new defensive coordinator hire, as interim head coach. After a combined record of 4-20 in the two seasons prior, the Wildcats went 8-5 and won the Las Vegas Bowl and Braun's interim tag was removed by Northwestern.
Barnett played defensive back for Michigan State from 1986-89 and was a three-year starter under then-head coach George Perles. Barnett earned All-American honors during his senior season after recording 73 tackles, three interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. He finished his Spartan career 154 tackles, six interceptions, and 13 pass break-ups.
In other news, former Michigan State running backs coach Effrem Reed has also landed a new gig after four seasons on staff in East Lansing, and three years as the Spartans' RB coach. Reed will now coach running backs at South Alabama under first-year head coach Major Applewhite.
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