Florida State talking with Michigan State defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett

Florida State is eyeing one of Michigan State’s top assistant coaches to fill a vacancy on its staff.

On Wednesday, USA Today’s Dan Wolken reported that Florida State was in talks with Michigan State assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett about an open spot on the Seminoles staff. He is the second B1G assistant that has been pursued by Willie Taggart as Michigan offensive line coach Greg Frey was in Tallahassee earlier this week.

Source: Florida State has had ongoing conversations with Michigan State assistant HC/co-DC Harlon Barnett about its defensive coordinator position.

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) January 3, 2018

Barnett has spent 11 seasons on the Spartans’ coaching staff, serving as the co-defensive coordinator for the last three seasons, ever since Pat Narduzzi left East Lansing for Pittsburgh. He was also a player for Michigan State from 1986-1989.

In addition to coaching 11 seasons at Michigan State, Barnett was a graduate assistant at LSU in 2003 and initially joined Mark Dantonio in Cincinnati, serving as the secondary coach from 2004-2006.

Taggart is still working on assembling his staff at Florida State.