Harlon Barnett reportedly leaving Michigan State to become DC at Florida State

Michigan State co-defensive coordinator and assistant coach Harlon Barnett is leaving the program to become the defensive coordinator on Willie Taggart’s staff at Florida State. Bruce Feldman of Sports Illustrated reported the news.

Thursday, it was reported that Barnett was in discussions with the Seminoles, but the seriousness of Barnett’s interest was unknown. Apparently, the gig in Tallahassee and the opportunity to become the defensive coordinator was too hard to pass up.

SOURCE: #MichiganState Co-DC Harlon Barnett will become the new defensive coordinator at #FSU. Big hire for Taggart. Barnett is highly thought of by the players there and by his staff. Very impressive dude.

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 5, 2018

Barnett just concluded his 11th season with the Spartans. He moved into the role as the co-defensive coordinator and assistant coach when Pat Narduzzi left for Pittsburgh prior to the 2015 season. He had been on Mark Dantonio’s staff since 2004, when the two joined together at Cincinnati.

He also played at Michigan State in the 1980s.

According to Pete Thamel of Sports Illustrated, Barnett is receiving a three-year deal worth nearly $1 million per season.

After taking the job at Florida State, Taggart has spent the last few weeks assembling his staff in Tallahassee. He certainly made a nice addition by bringing Barnett aboard.