Report: Detroit Lions hire JT Barrett as assistant quarterbacks coach

A former Ohio State standout quarterback has begun his climb through the coaching ranks with his playing days behind him. The Detroit Lions announced they have hired former Buckeyes star JT Barrett as an assistant quarterbacks coach.

Barrett joined the Lions as an assistant last summer, linking up with Dan Campbell‘s staff.

The former Ohio State star had a storied career for the Buckeyes. He helped Ohio State to a national title in his first full playing season in 2014, going 11-1 as a starter before suffering an injury that forced other quarterbacks into action during the playoffs.

Somehow Ohio State made it work and still came out as national champions that year.

Barrett would play three more seasons for the Buckeyes, compiling a 38-6 record as a starter.

And he put up some truly monster numbers. Barrett passed for 9,434 yards while throwing for 104 touchdowns. He also managed to run for 3,263 yards and another 43 touchdowns on the ground.

Those numbers helped him bring home several accolades.

JT Barrett was a well-decorated college athlete

Barrett was a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, making the list in 2014, 2016 and 2017. He was a three-time Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year winner in those same years.

Barrett also did well in postseason games he played in, taking home 2016 Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP honors and 2017 Cotton Bowl Offensive MVP honors.

He had a short career in the pros, going undrafted in 2018 and then spending brief stints with the New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers before going to the Canadian Football League and playing for the Edmonton Elks briefly.

Now, as an assistant quarterbacks coach, JT Barrett will look to share his knowledge and expertise with the Lions quarterbacks.