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| Millikin athletics file photo |
GRINNELL, Iowa – Following a nationwide search, Grinnell athletic director Andy Hamilton has announced Brent Barnes as the next head coach of the Pioneer football program.
Barnes brings a wealth and variety of experience to Grinnell, having coached football for more than two decades. He most recently served as defensive coordinator at Alfred State.
He replaces Jeff Pedersen, who was reassigned following Grinnell's decision in October to not finish the 2019 schedule. The Pioneers finished 0-3 in 2019.
"Through our search process Brent immediately emerged as a top candidate," said Hamilton. "When he was here for the interview he positively connected with constituents from all around campus, and especially our student-athlete football players. His background is laced with experiences which should help drive success at Grinnell. In particular, we were impressed with his work experience at several selective institutions, proven ability to coach both offense and defense and a successful track record in recruiting."
At Alfred State, Barnes boosted recruiting efforts and reinvigorated marketing strategies for the program that led to a higher number and higher quality of recruits, both athletically and academically. The effective change implemented by Barnes resulted in significant improvement in the program.
Barnes has coaching experience at all levels of NCAA and also had the opportunity to serve as head coach of SBB Vukovi Beograd, an American football team in Belgrade, Serbia. There, he guided the team to an 8-2 record and Serbian League playoff berth.
"Brent brings an expansive understanding of football both in terms of its strategies and structures, as well as in relation to its cultural and communal connections," stated Dean of the College Anne Harris. "His commitment to fostering Grinnell student-athletes' academic and athletic ambitions aligns powerfully with our mission and with the efforts of his colleagues at the college, and I look forward to his joining forces with campus partners."
At the collegiate level, Barnes not only has had multiple roles on the defensive side of the ball but plenty of experience as an offensive coordinator as well as special teams. During his time at Simon Fraser University, the team led the league in rushing offense and as passing coordinator at Middlebury, his squad rolled up impressive passing numbers and more than 450 yards per game.
Barnes has also enjoyed success during stops at Rhodes, Millikin, University of Chicago and Eastern Illinois.
While known for his recruiting strengths, Barnes has also been a key advocate in his athletes' academic success and fortified bridges between his programs and alumni as well as local community. Barnes himself was a triple major at Rice University, in economics, history and mechanical engineering, and earned a master's degree in physical education from Montclair State.
"I am so excited to be joining the staff here at Grinnell College as the head football coach," said Barnes. "I want to thank Andy Hamilton, Dean Harris and the search committee for this incredible opportunity. Everyone that I met during the interview process could not have been more passionate about working at this remarkable institution. I can't wait to get started."
Barnes will be joining the Grinnell community on Dec. 27.