Smith says Barnett's role at Michigan State program is yet to be determined
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith spent a good chunk of his first signing day press conference answering questions about big-picture issues related to his first-year program, including his plans for filling the two remaining assistant coach vacancies on his staff.
Smith was non-committal when asked how he would proceed in filling those two positions. Michigan State currently has five spots filled on the offensive side of the football with three spots filled on defense. Joe Rossi is the latest coaching hire on Smith’s staff. Prior to that the Spartans hired defensive line coach Legi Suianoa and defensive backs coach Blue Adams, both of whom were with Smith at Oregon State.
Smith will presumably allow Rossi to fill out the remainder of his defensive coaching staff with assistant coaches of his choosing. That being the case, it is unclear what, if any, role former interim head coach Harlon Barnett will have within the program moving forward.
“We brought six coaches over here with me that we have deep trust and knowledge of,” Smith said at his signing day press conference on Wednesday, “but a huge piece of this was the defensive coordinator. A lot of phone, talking to a lot of people that were interested in the job. Continued to circle back to Joe Rossi. Couldn’t be more excited about adding him in the middle of the process.”
Barnett and Smith have had several conversations about his football future at Michigan State, and the first-year Spartan head coach appears willing to give the longtime defensive assistant coach a role in his program. It remains to be seen, however, what role that would entail or whether Barnett will be amenable to filling that position.
“There are a lot of people still in the building that have been here previously,” Smith said. “They’ve been helpful in getting background information learning about particular recruits. A lot of what was previously sold Michigan State-wise is still here, the education, facility, the conference. Harlon has been helpful as well. I have met with him a couple of times given the landscape and his approach. It is yet to be determined on Harlon. He’s got opportunities, and other options and things, we’ll see where that lands.”
Smith believes that retaining Courtney Hawkins as wide receivers coach was a good personnel decision given his connection to the Michigan State program and the high school football community in the state of Michigan, going back to his days as the athletic director and football coach at Flint Beecher.
“Enjoyed getting to know him,” Smith said. “He is deeply passionate about this place. He has a track record of playing this game at the highest level and developing talent. Loved the idea that he spent some time at the high school ranks and what he did for that school and that community, learning that story was really fun and impressive to hear. Really excited that he is on board.”
Smith indicated that he does not have a set path with regard to filling out his staff. He is willing to be patient move forward, preferring to fill remaining openings with the best option for long-terms success.
Don’t be surprised if Michigan State waits until after the AFCA Coaching Convention to finalize its defensive staff. The convention (Jan. 7-10) is the single largest networking opportunity available to college football coaches.
