Penn State hires Deion Barnes as new defensive line coach
One day before the start of spring ball, Penn State has a new defensive line coach.
Deion Barnes, a former Nittany Lion defensive end who spent the last three seasons working with the defensive line as a graduate assistant, will replace John Scott Jr. as the DL coach.
Scott left the Nittany Lions to head to the NFL where he has joined the Detroit Lions as a defensive line coach.
Barnes was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2012 and left for the NFL after the 2014 season. He went undrafted but signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent.
The newest assistant coach with the staff assisted Scott with the defensive line and helped develop players like Arnold Ebiketie, Shaka Toney and Odafe Oweh.
The program announced the hire in a press release Monday night.
“We are excited to have Deion represent his alma mater as our defensive line coach,” Penn State head coach James 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.”
