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Ex-Michigan State DC Harlon Barnett moves to FSU in search of top job

Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi talks about his relationship with Florida State defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett. Wayne McGahee III, Tallahassee Democrat

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Harlon Barnett made essentially a lateral move. He left Michigan State in January after 11 years under Mark Dantonio to become Florida State’s defensive coordinator under new head coach Willie Taggart.

Yes, Barnett more than doubled his Michigan State salary of $452,570 as associate head coach/co-defensive coordinator (with Mike Tressel) to $980,000 as defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach in Tallahassee. And he traded his snow boots for flip-flops.