Barnett likes new challenge at FSU
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Harlon Barnett wasn’t looking for a job when Florida State knocked on his door.
He was happy coaching at his alma mater, Michigan State. Life was good, especially after the Spartans bounced back from a 3-9 record in 2016 to a 10-3 mark last season.
Just minutes after a Holiday Bowl win over Washington State, though, Barnett got a text from an old coaching friend. It wasn’t a congratulatory text — it was about a job interview. Barnett’s celebration turned to curiosity as he read the message from Raymond Woodie, who had joined coach Willie Taggart’s staff at Florida State.
“He texts me, ‘Call me. Important,’” Barnett said. “I’ve still got it on my phone. I’m never going to erase it.”
The text set the wheels in motion for Barnett, who said he prayed for days about whether he should leave Michigan State. It also meant ending a 14-year association with Mark Dantonio dating back to when Dantonio hired him at Cincinnati in 2004 and then at Michigan State in 2007.
Barnett’s defenses have traditionally been among the nation’s best — last year, Michigan State was No. 7 in the Football Bowl Subdivision in total defense, allowing an average of 297.6 yards per game. In the end, Barnett felt the chance to have full control of the Florida State defense was too good to pass up.
“I was co-defensive coordinator up at Michigan State and defensive coordinator here,” said Barnett, who played seven years in the NFL. “Just a chance for me to stretch myself.”
Florida State’s defense isn’t a rebuilding job, but it challenges Barnett’s abilities. The Seminoles return just four defensive starters after safety Derwin James left early for the NFL draft. While Florida State allowed an average of just 21 points per game last season, there were late-game defensive breakdowns that contributed to losses to North Carolina State, Louisville and Miami, as well as a crushing 35-3 defeat at Boston College.
Taggart has brought a different vibe to Florida State, sparking enthusiasm for the season opener against Virginia Tech on Sept. 3 with his “lethal simplicity” by implementing a nohuddle offense. Luring Barnett to Tallahassee, however, is as vital as any move he has made.
Barnett inherits a group loaded with talent — led by defensive end Brian Burns, defensive tackle Demarcus Christmas and cornerback Levonta Taylor — but also questions about who will step in at linebacker after losing three seniors.
His defensive scheme is pretty straightforward, focusing on an attacking four-man defensive front and letting corners play man-to-man coverage.
“It’s simple, and that’s the way Coach Taggart wants it,” said Woodie, a linebackers coach under Barnett. “His big thing is being able to stop the run. As a defensive coordinator, you’ve got to be able to do that, and everything else is you react to the pass.”
Players have embraced the new scheme, which they feel frees them to use their natural ability and go off instincts. The Seminoles return to a 4-3 front after four seasons of running a 3-4 under previous coordinator Charles Kelly.
“This defense is focusing on attacking,” Burns said. “Everything is all in your face. Last year was kind of conservative. But the way I see the defense now, we’re going after it.”
The 51-year old Barnett has played for Bill Belichick, Bill Parcells, Dennis Green and Tony Dungy. He joined Nick Saban’s staff at LSU as a graduate assistant in 2003. Saban and Barnett’s relationship goes back 27 years to when Saban was Cleveland’s defensive coordinator.
Barnett has never had full control of the defense before, even after more than a decade at Michigan State under Dantonio, but he is widely respected for his positive attitude as well as his nasty defenses.
“I think he’ll fit in just perfect,” said Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi, who was an assistant at Cincinnati (2004-06) and Michigan State (2007-14) with Barnett. “He’s got a great personality. He’ll keep it simple enough so those guys aren’t thinking and they’re playing fast. I think they’ll like the style of defense he runs.”