Penn State football announced on Monday evening that it has hired former Nittany Lion standout defensive end Deion Barnes as defensive line coach. Barnes spent the last three years on staff as a graduate assistant working with the defensive line.
“We are excited to have Deion represent his alma mater as our defensive line coach,” said Penn State coach James Franklin. “I have really been impressed watching him grow as a coach and leader these last three seasons. Deion’s passion for Penn State and the defensive line room has been a differentiator. It is clear to me that he wears his pride for this University through his work. The respect the players and staff have for Deion showed every day. I look forward to watching him continue to develop and inspire our defensive linemen. He was a great addition to our staff in 2020 and I look forward to watching him thrive in this new role.”
Barnes first came to Penn State as part of the Supa Six, a collection of prospects who joined the program ahead of the 2012 season. While at Penn State Barnes was a three-year letterwinner and earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2012. Following his collegiate career, he spent two years in the NFL with the New York Jets (2015) and Kansas City Chiefs (2016), and an additional season in the AAF with the San Antonio Commanders in 2019.
“I am thrilled and honored to be the defensive line coach for my alma mater,” said Barnes. “I am extremely grateful to Coach Franklin for giving me this opportunity to lead a room of tremendous young men who have worked so hard each and every day. I have a lot of pride and passion for Penn State University, and I am excited to go to work with this coaching staff, this team, my letterman brothers and the best fans in college football.”
Barnes takes over following the departure of John Scott Jr., who recently joined the Detroit Lions in the same role. Scott left Penn State after his third season with the program. Barnes is the third former Penn State player on staff as a full-time assistant coach, joining defensive backs coach Terry Smith and tight ends coach Ty Howle.
