ALTOONA, Pa. -- Penn State's defensive line coach position is a very significant job on the coaching staff, and the last two guys who held the job wound up going to the NFL.
There are big shoes to fill. And those big shoes have been filled with what is surely a popular in-house candidate.
Penn State named Deion Barnes the new D-line coach late Monday night, on the eve of spring practice starting Tuesday. Barnes, 30, is a former Nittany Lion defender who recently served as a graduate assistant before being named an analyst this offseason.
"I am thrilled and honored to be the defensive line coach for my alma mater," Barnes said in a university release. "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."
When John Scott Jr. left for a job with the Detroit Lions, Penn State had a big vacancy to fill. Barnes, a very popular staff member both with the players and other coaches, was considered a candidate right away, with the lone drawback being a big one -- that he's never been a full-time assistant coach before.
Well, that part apparently didn't matter much to James Franklin, who made the decision to promote Barnes anyway.
All love for our guy @DBarnes_18 🤟
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) March 14, 2023
A special moment as @CoachJFranklin announces Deion Barnes as our defensive line coach. — #WeAre pic.twitter.com/v1HHaz7HMG
"We are excited to have Deion represent his alma mater as our defensive line coach," Franklin said. "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."
Super excited for this guy!! @DBarnes_18 . Proud of the hard work you put in the last 3 years. Penn State hired a great one. Well deserved man!!! pic.twitter.com/reeFpObCHm
— John Scott Jr. (@CoachJScott_DL) March 14, 2023
GIGER'S TAKE
I've made no secret of the fact that I thought Penn State would be best served by going out and hiring a veteran for this very important position. The Lions have a chance to compete for a national title in the coming years, and they don't need a new coach who will be learning the ropes in huge games.
I stand by all of that.
Still, given his reputation, Barnes was always going to be a popular pick if indeed he got the job. Everybody at Penn State has raved about him, including Franklin and some players, and it can serve as a big boost when a popular in-house guy is given this kind of opportunity.
It's a phenomenal opportunity for Barnes.
It's a bit of a gamble by Franklin.
But Penn State didn't want to see someone with such a bright future look to leave, which Barnes certainly would have done in the coming years had he not been hired as an assistant. This way, a popular young coach with a bright mind and good recruiting skills will be given a chance to grow into the role and possibly become a star.
The sooner that happens, the better it will be for the Lions.
What do you think of the hire? Is now the right time for Franklin to take a chance on a first-time assistant? This should make for a good discussion in the comments.