Miami Redhawks

George Barnett begins his seventh year as the co-offensive coordinator/OL coach at Miami. He was named Associate Head Coach in February of 2016.

Barnett's offensive line's have been a strong point for the RedHawks' offense over the past few years. In 2019, despite starting a pair of true freshman up front, the offensive line averaged 130.9 rushing yards per game and allowed just 31 sacks in 14 games as the RedHawks won a MAC Championship. In 2018, Miami averaged 159.8 yards per game on the ground and gave up just 20 sacks all season long. That same year, Miami averaged over 200 yards per game on the ground in conference games.

Barnett has almost made a habit of producing All-MAC talent nearly every year since his arrival. Overall, he has coached seven All-MAC award winners, including Tommy Doyle (first team) and Danny Godlevske (third team) in 2019. In 2016 Collin Buchanan was invited to the NFL Combine and later signed a free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Prior to Miami, Barnett spent four seasons at Illinois State as the offensive line coach and running game coordinator and was named offensive coordinator prior to the 2013 season for the Redbirds. 

Barnett brings a wealth of knowledge along the offensive line, having coached the position for the past 20 years, dating back to 1999. In his time with the Redbirds his offense averaged 145.7 yards per game on the ground and allowed just 1.3 sacks per game. Their best season came during the 2011 campaign in which they allowed only six sacks in 11 contests, while rushing for 2,017 yards (183.4/game) while helping Illinois State to a 7-4 record. The six sacks allowed that season ranked third-best in the country and the Redbirds produced their first 1,000 yard rusher since 2006. 

Prior to Illinois State he had a two-year stint as the offensive line coach at Division II powerhouse Grand Valley State, which advanced to the 2009 NCAA Division II national title game. The Tuscola, Ill., native thrived in his two seasons at GVSU as offensive line coach and helped the Lakers’ offense become one of the best in the country. 

In 2009, GVSU ranked third in the country in sacks allowed (.60) after giving up just nine sacks in 15 games played. The Lakers also ranked 11th in the country in rushing offense (227.5 ypg), 12th in total offense (450.1 ypg) and 14th in scoring offense (35.8 ppg). Barnett also mentored senior Nick McDonald, who was a consensus Division II All-American and the GLIAC Offensive Lineman of the Year. 

In 2008, Barnett guided the GVSU offensive line unit that saw all five of its starters earn All-GLIAC honors. The Lakers finished the season ranked 10th in the nation in scoring (38.5 ppg), 13th in sacks allowed (1.08), 14th in rushing (228.4 ypg) and 25th in total offense (429.0 ypg). 

Barnett came to Grand Valley State after a three-year stint as offensive line coach at Indianapolis. The Greyhound offense increased its production every season behind the Barnett-led offensive line. Indianapolis recorded four-year highs offensively in passing yards (234.1 ypg), rushing offense (189.2 ypg) and total offense (423.3 ypg) in 2007. 

Prior to his arrival at Indianapolis, Barnett spent the 2004 season at Illinois, under Harry Hiestand, where he was a graduate assistant and worked with the offensive line for the Illini. Barnett began his coaching career and taught for five years at Mattoon (Ill.) High School from 1999-2003. He served as assistant head coach for the Green Wave’s state semifinalist team in 2003, working as offensive coordinator and the offensive line coach. 

Barnett earned a bachelor of science degree in physical education in 1998 from Millikin in Decatur, Ill. He was a four-year football letter-winner for the Big Blue and earned all-conference plaudits. In addition, he was named to the National Dean’s List while at Millikin. 

Barnett and his wife, Lori, have two children, Elle and James. 

Barnett Timeline

• 2016-PR - Assistant Head Coach/Co-Offensive Coordinator/OL, Miami University
• 2014-15 - Co-Offensive Coordinator/OL, Miami University
• 2013 -- Offensive Coordinator/OL, Illinois State
• 2010-12 -- Running Game Coordinator/OL, Illinois State
• 2008-09 -- Offensive Line, Grand Valley State
• 2005-07 -- Offensive Line, Indianapolis
• 2004 -- Graduate Assistant/OL, Illinois
• 1999-03 -- Assistant Head Coach/OL, Mattoon High School