2018 is now well underway, and the first major change is coming for the Michigan State Spartans.
This morning, it was announced that longtime co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett will become the new defensive coordinator at Florida State. The report was first announced by Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports’ via Twitter:
SOURCE: #MichiganState Co-DC Harlon Barnett will become the new defensive coordinator at #FSU. Big hire for Taggart. Barnett is highly thought of by the players there and by his staff. Very impressive dude.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 5, 2018
This could come as a big blow for the Spartans, as Barnett has spent the last 14 seasons coaching alongside head coach Mark Dantonio. Barnett first coached with Dantonio at Cincinnati, before following him when Dantonio was hired at Michigan State in 2007.
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In addition to being the co-defensive coordinator, Barnett also was the defensive backs coach and associate head coach for Michigan State. He played a big role in recruiting as well.
Barnett will be leaving his alma mater by making this move, as he was an All-American defensive back at Michigan State from 1986-89. He then went on to play in the NFL for seven seasons before beginning his coaching career.
Now 51 years old, most would suspect Barnett left the Spartans for more money at Florida State. His annual salary was listed at $437,434 at Michigan State. According to Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel, Barnett’s deal will be for three years at nearly $1 million per season.
Willie Taggart took over as the new head coach at Florida State last month after former head coach Jimbo Fisher left the Seminoles to go coach at Texas A&M. Barnett will be the second coach from the state of Michigan to leave for Florida State this week, as Michigan tackle’s and tight end’s coach Greg Frey was reportedly hired Thursday as the Seminoles’ new offensive line coach.
This move by Barnett will leave a hole that Michigan State will need to fill on the defensive staff moving forward.
