Memphis officially introduces former Ohio State staffer as next DC
Ohio State interim defensive coordinator Matt Barnes has officially landed a new job.
Monday morning, Memphis announced the hiring of Barnes to be the next defensive coordinator for the program. He served as the interim DC for the Buckeyes for a majority of the 2021 season, taking over for Kerry Coombs who lost play-calling duties after some early struggles.
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“Matt Barnes is one of the brightest young defensive minds in college football,” said head coach Ryan Silverfield. “He has served as an interim defensive coordinator at two Big 10 programs with great success. Matt is a fantastic teacher and we are excited for his family to join us here in Memphis.”
Barnes spent 3 seasons in Columbus working on Ryan Day’s staff. He was a member of a team that won two B1G titles and appeared in two College Football Playoffs, including the National Championship Game at the end of the 2020 campaign.
“My family and I are so excited to be joining the Memphis football family,” Barnes said. “We are so impressed with the culture that Coach Silverfield has built and what the city has to offer.”
Barnes also had stops at Florida, Maryland and Michigan.