Michigan State Football: Paul Haynes hired to replace Harlon Barnett
Michigan State football announced one of its major hirings in Paul Haynes to replace Harlon Barnett as defensive backs coach.
No, Paul Haynes won’t be taking that co-defensive coordinator title that Harlon Barnett held, but the former Kent State head coach is taking on the defensive backs role for Michigan State.
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Haynes spent the past five seasons as the head coach of the Golden Flashes, going just 14-45 in that time frame. He was hired after one season as Arkansas’ defensive backs coach and two years removed from being Ohio State’s co-defensive coordinator. Before that, he was the Buckeyes’ defensive backs coach after two seasons as Michigan State’s.
Dantonio says Paul Haynes was hired today as new DBs coach.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) January 19, 2018
The Columbus-native has plenty of experience at the position and it’s clear that he makes a great assistant coach but might not be much of a head coach. The 48-year-old coach brings new life into the program and Mark Dantonio will hope that he can relate to the players like Barnett did.
Dantonio also stated that Mike Tressel will be the lone defensive coordinator. It looks like he’s earned that title after splitting the role with Barnett. It’ll be interesting to see if Haynes can pick up right where Barnett left off.
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Michigan State will likely make two more hires official this coming week. Rumor has it that Don Treadwell will be returning as an assistant coach and the last spot could be just about anyone. Keep it tuned here for more news this coming week.