FSU Football: Lots of people vouching for Harlon Barnett
By Kelvin Hunt
FSU football has obviously hired one of the best defensive coordinators in the nation in Harlon Barnett.
FSU football made one of its most anticipated hires Friday when it was reported the ‘Noles would hire Michigan State’s co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett as its own defensive coordinator.
It’s a hire fans have been anticipating for two years with their frustration for former defensive coordinator Charles Kelly being well known.
Barnett is a name not known by many casual FSU fans or those that don’t follow the sport closely.
However, it appears Barnett is one of the most respected coaches in the country and the ‘Noles got him for a steal at nearly one million dollars per year.
That’s a lot more affordable than paying 1.7 million a year for Jim Leavitt at Oregon.
Check out the support Barnett received on social media.
Twitter Reaction
Harlon Barnett was one of the more impressive coaches I've dealt with in 3 years doing TV games for FOX.. This year, he had a D that started SIX sophomores and one true freshman, and that group ranks No. 7 in the nation in total D. #FSU https://t.co/sKexN1kX31
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 5, 2018
Harlon Barnett is a much bigger loss than just "football." He's a glue guy in the program, a positive example for his players and a father like figure to many of them. He'll be missed far beyond the practice field or Spartan Stadium on Saturdays.
— Adam Ruff (@AdamRuffPhoto) January 5, 2018
@HarlonBarnett congrats coach they gone love you there... one of the realest most honest men I know... y’all gone run thru a wall for him fasho...
— L1pp (@Tony_Lippett14) January 5, 2018
One of the BEST coaches I had the privilege to learn from and play for. Congrats @HarlonBarnett, best of luck! #SpartanDawg4Life https://t.co/JjOLo1l8X9
— Chris Frey Jr (@cfrey_23) January 5, 2018
Harlon Barnett is also one of the top recruiters and talent evaluators in the nation and is particularly strong recruiting Ohio https://t.co/uULGSiL9Cy
— MikeGriffith32 (@MikeGriffith32) January 5, 2018
Congrats to a real-life Spartan Dawg, Harlon Barnett, on becoming the new DC at FSU. A man of unbelievable integrity, character, heart, and spirit. We will miss his daily impact on every phase of our program. God Bless him and his amazing family. Got a great one, FSU! #BangStick
— Ken Mannie (@SpartanEarned1) January 5, 2018
I would be happy to have Harlon Barnett as DC. May not be a sexy name that everyone knows but Michigan St Defense is always very good. Especially their corner play. They play a lot of man to man.
— Rowdy Roddy Piper (@PrezCueball) January 3, 2018
Congratulations to without a doubt one of the best human beings I’ve ever met, been around and been coached by, @HarlonBarnett !! ... FSU got an extraordinary man, husband, father and one heck of a Coach!
— Darien Harris (@darienAharris) January 5, 2018
One thing that often gets lost about Harlon Barnett is that he is a direct branch of the Nick Saban tree - played under him at MSU when Saban was DC, got his coaching start as a GA under him at LSU.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 5, 2018
Thoughts
That’s A LOT of praise for a coach and I can’t find anyone that’s said anything negative about the hire except rival fans that aren’t football savvy.
Michigan State had the No. 4 defense in the nation according to S&P advanced metrics and that was with a very young secondary.
Not to mention that was with college players that are not the same caliber FSU football typically signs.
It was important to get a defensive coordinator like Barnett with the market prices increasing overnight with LSU and Texas A&M paying stupid amounts of money for theirs.
Barnett’s salary will be doubled from what he was making at Michigan State, but he’s still only making about $100,000 more than what Charles Kelly was being paid per year.
Next: FSU Loses Auden Tate and Tarvarus McFadden to NFL Draft
Barnett plays a high pressure, physical defense that should bring fond memories of what FSU fans experienced in its legendary run from 1987-2000.