NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State head football coach Brock Spack announced the hiring of George Barnett as the new Redbird offensive line coach and running game coordinator Tuesday. Barnett comes to Illinois State following 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.
"I talked to several people I have the utmost respect for in this business from the high school, collegiate and pro levels and they all raved about George," Spack said. "I had heard so many good things about him that I wondered if there would be a bit of a drop off during the interview, but he was even better in person than on paper. George is a Central Illinois product, which makes him an even better fit for our program, and we believe he will be a great addition to our coaching staff and we are fortunate to have him."
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 (Sam Allen, Cameron Bradfield, Billy Eisenhardt, Nick McDonald and Jacob Topp) 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).
"Coach Spack and the staff he's put together here at Illinois State have had a lot of success in a short time and their vision for the program attracted me to this opportunity," Barnett said. "I've always had a deep respect for Illinois State and being from Central Illinois, I've always known of the program's capability and success. I'm excited for the future and look forward to making sure the offensive line is meeting the goals of the offense and the team."
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 where he was a graduate assistant and worked with the offensive line as well as coordinated the defensive scout team 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 coach of both the offensive and defensive lines. Barnett also served one year as Mattoon's varsity line coach and sophomore defensive coordinator before becoming the varsity offensive coordinator.
Barnett earned a bachelor of science degree in physical education in 1998 from Millikin in Decatur, Ill. He was a four-year football letterwinner 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, are the parents of Elle (4) and James (1).
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