Harlon Barnett Hired as Florida State Defensive Coordinator

Willie Taggart has made his hire at defensive coordinator. It was reported by multiple outlets on Friday that Michigan State assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett would depart his alma mater for Florida State.

Former coordinator Charles Kelly left the program after the Dec. 27 bowl game, leaving the spot open for Taggart to make perhaps the biggest hire of his staff yet. Many had wondered why it took so long to name one, and Taggart kept the search close to his chest. Very few leaks occurred up until the very end of the process.

Barnett began his career in East Lansing as a defensive back for the Spartans from 1986-89. He was named an All-American as a senior, and used his career in college to get drafted in the fourth round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He also played for the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings before retiring after the 1996 season.

Barnett rejoined the college ranks as a grad assistant at LSU in 2003. Current Michigan State head coach Mark D’Antonio hired him on his Cincinnati staff from 2004-06, and took him along to Barnett’s most recent stop in 2007. Barnett coached the defensive backs until 2015, when he was promoted to co-defensive coordinator.

In his career as Michigan State’s secondary coach, Barnett produced 25 All-Big Ten selections. His units have consistently graded out well. Since 2010, five of his pass defenses have ranked in the top 25 of the S&P ratings. Barnett’s deal is for three years at nearly $1 million per season, according to reports.