Barnett, 51, has been at Michigan State as a coach since 2007 and his time with Dantonio even goes back to Mark Dantonio's time at Cincinnati. Barnett also played defensive back for MSU in the late 1980s.

Barnett coordinated a defensive unit this year that currently ranks 7th in team defense giving up less than 300 yards of offense a game. Their run defense was impeccable as well ranking second in the nation with less than 100 yards given up on the ground per game.

Barnett is replacing Charles Kelly who made over $850,000 in the same position under Jimbo Fisher, considering Barnett's salary was a reported $450,000 at Michigan State he would be due a considerable pay raise. His term and amount have not yet been reported.

Recent defensive coordinator hires have gone for seven digits. Mike Elko was hired at Texas A&M for a reported $1.8 million. Dave Aranda was re-upped by LSU for a cool $2.5 million.

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