Michigan State defensive coordinator Barnett heading to Florida State

Jan 5, 2018 - 8:45 PM Michigan State defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett reported is leaving the school to take the same job at Florida State.

Barnett, who just completed his 11th season at the school, fills a key position on the staff of new Seminoles head coach Willie Taggart, according to a report by Bruce Feldman.

A player at Michigan State who went on to play in the NFL from 1990-96, Barnett served as the defensive backs coach at the University of Cincinnati for three seasons.

Barnett returned to Michigan State as defensive backs coach in 2007 and was in charge of the secondary until he was elevated to defensive coordinator in 2015.

The Spartans finished 8-5 this season and ranked No. 7 nationally in total defense, surrendering an average of 297.6 yards per game.

Taggart was named Florida State's coach in December, replacing Jimbo Fisher, who resigned to take the head coaching job at Texas A&M.