Smith: Harlon Barnett's future with Michigan State football has 'yet to be determined'

East Lansing — When Jonathan Smith took over Michigan State’s football program last month, he was inundated with a lengthy to-do list, from planning a cross-country move to solidifying his support staff and hitting the recruiting trail. 

“It’s a challenge that we were diving into and navigating, doing our best,” Smith said Wednesday. 

Of course he needed help. 

Not only did he look to some of his Oregon State staff that he’s brought over to Michigan State, but he also leaned on those within the building who were part of the previous regime and picked their brains on Michigan State’s previous 2024 commits and what the vision of the former staff was. Former interim head coach Harlon Barnett notably played a key role in helping Smith with the transition. 

“He’s been helpful,” Smith said. “Just getting the landscape, his approach.”

Still, Barnett’s future with Michigan State has “yet to be determined,” according to Smith. 

“He’s got opportunities, other options and things,” Smith continued. “So we’ll see where that lands.” 

As of Wednesday, Smith has filled eight of his 10 on-field assistant coaching positions. 

Earlier this month, Smith named Brian Lindgren, an assistant on his Oregon State staff, as the Spartans’ new offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. Smith also poached Joe Rossi from Minnesota to be Michigan State’s new defensive coordinator and linebacker coach. 

Wide receiver coach Courtney Hawkins is the only assistant Smith has kept from the previous staff. Smith also hired former Oregon State assistant Blue Adams to be in charge of Michigan State’s secondary, the job Barnett had before he was promoted to interim head coach in September to replace Mel Tucker. 

Smith wouldn’t tip his hand as to what he plans to do with the final two assistant vacancies, saying the situation remains “fluid.” He did say, though, that Rossi will be part of the decision-making process. 

“We’ll kind of see,” Smith said. “We’re not going to rush on those decisions. We want to make sure again the particular person is a fit and will fit on both sides. And then the current setup of finalizing defense and an answer for special teams, we’re sorting that out.” 

mkenney@detroitnews.com

@madkenney