Michigan State football: Interesting notes, quotes from Harlon Barnett’s first presser

Harlon Barnett spoke to the media for the first time as interim Michigan State football head coach. Here’s what he said.

Harlon Barnett made his first public appearance as interim Michigan State football head coach on Tuesday afternoon. All of the quotes from the presser have been compiled from the live stream of the presser and Lansing State Journal’s Graham Couch’s Twitter feed.

Harlon Barnett on being head coach and team morale

Barnett: “I want to be the head coach at Michigan State. But not in this way.”

He has not spoken with Mel Tucker since he was suspended. He starts off by acknowledging that the team held a meeting on Sunday where he stated, “This is a determined group. … They’re still motivated and excited.”

Barnett mentioned the first question he has asked players when meeting one-on-one with them, an effort he has been making since Sunday has been, “How’s the team?” To which he has received the answer, “We’re on a mission, and we’re going to complete this mission.”

Sad and angry have never come up. He stated that he has met with 27 players already, and plans to meet with another 20-plus today. His goal is to foster unity and make sure everyone is on the same page. He said that the players said they were ready to go and energized. The players-only meeting helped the team turn their focus to the coaching staff and the game on Saturday.

Not one player has approached him about redshirting, transferring mid-season, or “shutting it down for the season” — something that is important for player retention. It will be a question to revisit after the Maryland game, the four-game limit. 

Lastly, working under Bill Belichick, Nick Saban, and Mark Dantonio, Barnett states that his attention to detail and discipline are things he plans to use as the interim head coach. “Were tough, were Spartans, were resilient. And for another term, I tell people all the time, ‘I’m a dawg.’ Well, push through this.”

Barnett on preparing for Michael Penix Jr.

Interesting to note that Barnett, as a defensive backs coach, has faced Michael Penix Jr. before during his time at Indiana. Credits Penix for his ability.

Barnett, who is still helping out with defensive backs, “I love coaching DBs.” Said that Saban, an inspiration for him, has never stopped coaching defensive backs. 

Barnett on recruiting

One interesting tidbit from the Tuesday press conference is that Barnett mentions the recruits and commits and the conversations that have been had between them and the coaches. He stated that he has talked to all of his defensive back recruits and that all other position coaches have talked to their respective commits. He plans to talk to all of them himself between now and Saturday. 

Barnett on Mark Dantonio’s role

When asked about Mark Dantonio’s role, Barnett reiterated that he will be in a supportive role, and not so much there for the Xs and Os. Mentions that the elite staff is all about information, and listening to information from everyone. They are always open to listening to any suggestions Dantonio may have on the sideline. 

Barnett on his mindset as interim HC

One thing for certain that I gathered from the Tuesday Press conference, is that Barnett is nothing short of fired up. Seems to have embraced the opportunity with the quote, “I am looking forward to this opportunity and coming week to … show what I’ve got.”

He sees this as an opportunity to audition for permanent Michigan State football head coach and feels “it’s set up that way.”

Other notes

Not really press conference related, but as some members of the Spartan media pointed out and provided images that pictured all posters with Mel Tucker have been taken down outside of the media room.