Harlon Barnett will serve as Michigan State’s acting head coach in the wake of Mel Tucker being placed on suspension without pay during an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment.

The 56-year-old Barnett addressed the media on Tuesday prior to Michigan State’s matchup vs. visiting No. 8 Washington.

Barnett, a defensive back for the Spartans from 1986-89, will make his debut as a college football head coach. Barnett has been Michigan State’s defensive backs coach since 2020, and previously served in that role for the program from 2007-14.

Barnett is motivated to prove Michigan State correct in selecting him as the interim head coach.

While Barnett is grateful for this chance, he wishes it wasn’t under the circumstances involving Tucker, with whom he hasn’t spoken to since his suspension.

Barnett will be aided by a familiar face in associate head coach Mark Dantonio. Barnett was hired by the former Michigan State head coach at Cincinnati.

Barnett is imploring the Spartans to come together during this turbulent time and rally to make the most of the season.

Washington at Michigan State is slated for Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. EST and can be streamed on Peacock.