Michigan State football: Jonathan Smith reportedly retaining a pair of coaches

Michigan State football has filled two more of its openings under Jonathan Smith’s staff, and they are familiar faces.

It appears that some of the previous regime’s hires would remain with Michigan State football for the foreseeable future.

On Friday night, Tim Staudt broke some news we had been suspecting for the last few days: Harlon Barnett and Courtney Hawkins would be remaining in East Lansing. This fills two more of the openings on head coach Jonathan Smith’s new roster.

We are told Harlon Barnett and Courtney Hawkins are being retained off Mel
Tucker’s staff by new MSU football coach Jonathan Smith— all others out. Has not been formally announced yet.

— Tim Staudt (@timstaudt10) December 1, 2023

Breaking down the history of each coach

Harlon Barnett will now be serving under his fourth head coach at Michigan State (including his seasons at defensive back under George Perles). Barnett has coached some of the best secondaries Michigan State has ever seen, with the “No Fly Zone” shutting down quarterbacks in the 2013 season.

Recently, his secondary has seen issues, but the changing of defensive coordinators and coaches have factored into this regression. Barnett has previously worked for Mark Dantonio and Mel Tucker.

Harlon Barnett had already expressed openness to returning to the Spartans earlier this offseason. It appears that Smith will be making this official. Barnett served as the interim head coach this season, leading the Spartans to a 2-8 record in his 10 games. Barnett took over an impossible situation, with a head coach fired right before the real schedule started. The 2-8 tag should not be applied to Barnett, but rather the previous coach who managed to force the school to make a mid-season firing. That said, a few mismanaged situations with clock and personnel did reflect poorly on Barnett’s coaching. 

Barnett had his faults as a head coach but should slot back in nicely as an assistant, likely with the defensive backs. Assuming he is a secondary coach again, he joins Blue Adams as the coaches for that personnel. Barnett is the more controversial name here, but let me offer some explanation here: during a coaching change, it is a necessity to retain a coach from the previous group. Barnett is an exceptional person and has the respect of the locker room, which is much needed during this transitional period for the Spartans. Additionally, Barnett has coached some extraordinary secondaries during his time, and I believe he can bring that back. Scottie Hazelton was not the best defensive coordinator, and his scheme held back players. 

As for Courtney Hawkins, I do not believe that there is a single voice against this move. Courtney Hawkins has been on his alma mater’s staff since 2020. Before that, he was a second-round pick with a nine-year NFL career at receiver. The former Spartan great is a fan-favorite coach, and for good reason. 

Hawkins has had receivers like Jayden Reed, Jalen Nailor, and Keon Coleman excel under his tutelage. The other key piece of bringing back Hawkins is his eye for talent. Nearly every receiver that Hawkins has recruited has the ability to break a big play at any point. In addition to the three names mentioned above, players like Tyrell Henry, Christian Fitzpatrick, Montorie Foster, Antonio Gates Jr., and Jaron Glover have all flashed loads of potential during their time with the Spartans. Hawkins’ commitment to the program also locks in the commitment of Nick Marsh to the Spartans for the 2024 class. I also believe that Hawkins will be able to bring back a player or two from the portal, with Fitzpatrick, Henry, and Glover all currently entered. 

Last year, the Spartan receivers struggled with drops and separation, which is the only detraction I have seen for Hawkins’ coaching. However, inconsistent quarterback play, a horrible offensive scheme, and an oft-injured running back room all hurt the receivers before the ball was even snapped. I am excited to see Hawkins’ receiver room combined with their newest quarterback (potentially Aiden Chiles, Dante Moore?). 

Personally, I believe both of these re-hires were excellent for Michigan State football. The Spartans retain a coach on offense and defense to help with both recruiting and retaining players and prospects, and both have excellent arguments for why they should factor into the long-term plans.