Harlon Barnett confirms he will not remain at Michigan State on Jonathan Smith's staff

The Michigan State football program made news earlier in December when they announced that former Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith would be their new head coach. As to be expected, with any change at the head coach position, there will be adjustments made to the staff. However, one of the changes coming might hit a few Spartan fans in the heart.

According to local journalist Graham Couch, Michigan State’s interim head coach, long-time position coach, and former player, Harlon Barnett, will not be a part of Smith’s staff going forward. When asked about moving on from the Spartans program, Barnett had this to say.

“After 20 football seasons at Michigan State, five as a player, 15 as a coach, my time is up. It’s time for me to move on. I’m looking for opportunities at other programs, be it college or the NFL. I’m excited about it. It’s time,” said Barnett, according to Couch.

Barnett was originally hired by former Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio to be the Spartans’ secondary coach in 2007. Over his eleven years under Dantonio, from 2007-2017, he was also named the assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator for Michigan State from 2015-2017. Barnett would spend two seasons at Florida State as their defensive coordinator, from 2018- 2019, before returning to the program in 2020 under head coach Mel Tucker.

What is in store for Barnett in the future remains to be seen. But given his ties to the program, the longtime coach and player is likely to be missed by fans and supporters of the program.

Michigan State loses tight end Evan Morris

Former Michigan State tight end Evan Morris committed to transfer to the UCF Knights. He announced the decision on social media.

Evan Morris is an experienced tight end, having played at Michigan State since the 2019 season. He took a redshirt that season and retained a year of eligibility thanks to the 2020 season, allowing him to transfer to UCF for his sixth season of college football.

In 2023, Morris played in 12 games. He had four receptions for eight yards in those games. That comes after playing in 11 games in 2022.

Evan Morris played high school football at Ovid-Elsi (MI), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 2400 overall recruit in the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Throughout his time with Michigan State, Evan Morris consistently earned Academic All-Big Ten honors. He also played as a placekicker for the Spartans.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.