Western Colorado University Athletics

Barnes joined the Mountaineer football staff heading into the 2026 season, arriving at Western Colorado after a stint as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Ripon (Wis.) College. He will serve as a linebackers coach.

He was a standout safety at Ripon, leading the team in sacks during his senior season (2) while tying for the fourth-most interceptions (3).

After graduation he signed with and played for the Berlin Adlers, an American professional football club in Germany before returning to Ripon to join its coaching staff.