Michigan State football: Harlon Barnett not returning to coaching staff

After speculation that he might return to Michigan State football, Harlon Barnett is officially moving on from East Lansing.

Per Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal, former interim head coach Harlon Barnett will not be joining Jonathan Smith’s coaching staff.

“After 20 football seasons at Michigan State, five as a player, 15 as a coach, my time is up,” is what Barnett shared about this news.

Harlon Barnett is leaving Michigan State and won't be part of Jonathan Smith's staff. He plans to coach elsewhere.

“After 20 football seasons at Michigan State, five as a player, 15 as a coach, my time is up,” he said.

Story:https://t.co/Fyo4aKim6d

— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) December 21, 2023

Harlon Barnett’s reputation

There isn’t one bad thing I can say about Barnett. He is the definition of a true Spartan. Harlon stepped up during one of the worst moments in Michigan State football history and helped guide the program through the rough waters. The season may not have gone as we hoped, but the wins and losses shouldn’t matter to his legacy.

As you all know, Barnett took over as interim head coach after Mel Tucker was suspended and then fired. During his time as interim head coach, Harlon led MSU to a 2-8 record with wins over Nebraska and Indiana. He was also close to road wins against Iowa and Rutgers, but late game collapses hurt the Spartans those games.

Harlon spent five years as a player in East Lansing under George Perles. He was a three-year starter playing defensive back and was also a captain as a senior. Barnett was part of the legendary 1987 team that won the Big Ten and 1988 Rose Bowl. During that season, he compiled 73 tackles, three interceptions, and three fumble recoveries.

Harlon should always be regarded as a legendary figure in Michigan State history. He was part of some historic teams in the 1980s as a player and was also part of Mark Dantonio’s staff from 2007-2017 during the height of his era. Even though his tenure in East Lansing may have ended on a low note, what he did for the program now and in the past should make Spartan fans forever grateful.

Harlon Barnett’s future

Harlon’s coaching career appears to be far from over. Even though his time at MSU is done, it sounds like he has other coaching opportunities in front of him. Graham’s post above states that “he plans to coach elsewhere.” This isn’t the first time Graham has reported Smith suggesting this, as Graham also shared this in a previous post from a few days ago, “They’ve met a couple times, Smith said he’s been helpful, but that he also has opportunities elsewhere.”

I for one am happy that it sounds like Barnett has other opportunities. As a diehard MSU fan, I try my best to not cheer for other teams. But I think I will always hope Barnett does well and that whatever team he is coaching finds success.

Thank you Harlon for all that you’ve done for MSU.