Former FSU Assistant Named Michigan State's Interim Coach After Mel Tucker's Suspension

Shocking news broke out of East Lansing on Sunday when USA Today reported that Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker had been accused of sexual assault. In the wake of the investigation going public, the Spartans announced that they were suspending Tucker, and his future status with the program is now in doubt.

In the aftermath of the move, Michigan State has named secondary coach Harlon Barnett as the team's interim head coach. Players have already been informed about the change according to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg and Pete Thamel.

Barnett has spent the last four seasons working for Tucker with the Spartans so there's certainly not a lack of familiarity between the two. However, that won't make it any easier for Michigan State in the short term with the program set to host No. 8 Washington on Saturday before kicking off conference play the following week.

Michigan State Mel Tucker has been suspended and his job status going forward is in doubt, sources tell @PeteThamel and me. Secondary coach Harlon Barnett, a former MSU standout, will lead the program in Tucker’s absence. Players have been informed Barnett is taking over.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 10, 2023

The veteran assistant actually played for Michigan State back during his college career. He was named a first-team All-American in 1989 and was a member of the 1987 Big Ten and 1988 Rose Bowl championship teams. Barnett finished his tenure as a three-year starter for the Spartans with 154 tackles, six interceptions, and 13 pass breakups.

This is his second coaching stint with the program. Barnett was with the Spartans under former head coach Mark Dantonio from 2007-17 as defensive backs coach (2007-14) and co-defensive coordinator (2015-17). He chose to depart from Michigan State for the defensive coordinator position at Florida State in 2018.

Barnett coached under former head coach Willie Taggart, guiding five players to All-ACC honors, including two first-team selections in defensive end Brian Burns and defensive tackle Marvin Wilson. The Seminoles allowed at least 416.3 yards of total offense per game and 28.5 points per game during his tenure.

His three-year contract ended up being cut short after Taggart was fired midway into his second season with the program. Taggart ended up compiling a 9-12 record in 21 games and was replaced by Mike Norvell, who has the Seminoles sitting at No. 3 in the country.

Outside of Florida State and Michigan State, Barnett has worked at Princeton High School, LSU, and Cincinnati during his coaching career. The Spartans are 2-0 following victories against Central Michigan (31-7) and Richmond (45-14).

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season.

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