Penn State’s players were happy about Deion Barnes getting promoted from analyst to defensive line coach.
Head coach James Franklin told the team Monday night.
From Pennsylvania…
Played in Pennsylvania…
Now… Coaching in Pennsylvania.@DBarnes_18 is staying 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞.#WeAre | https://t.co/mkVXfc5bSl pic.twitter.com/0yOwl8JGzm— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) March 14, 2023
Franklin started the announcement by apologizing to Penn State’s defensive for not naming a new defensive line coach before Penn State’s spring break (March 6-10) which he previously intended to do.
Then, he cut to the chase.
”I want you guys to meet our new D-line coach,” Franklin said.
He then walked to the door of Penn State’s meeting room and opened it, before turning back.
“He’s already in the room.” Franklin said.
Penn State’s players immediately knew what this meant, and went crazy.
After things had calmed down, Franklin explained the hiring, saying that something that was important to him and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz was that “this is a brotherhood.”
“When we have an opportunity to take care of one of our own,” Franklin said, “we’re going to do that. But we’re not just going to do it. You have to earn it. And Deion’s earned it over the last three years here.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.”Busting his ass, doing everything right. He’s about to finish up his masters degree, and when he interviewed, he interviewed his ass off and showed us that he was ready.”
Diaz also spoke to the room, saying that Barnes “interviewed for this job every damn day.”
”Every say,” he emphasized. “And his role may change, but the standard of his work doesn’t need to change.”
Finally, the man himself talked with his team.
”I appreciate your support,” Barnes said. “I mean, the d-line, ya’ll already know. I’m going to be in your ass every day.”
That line got a brief laugh out of the room.
Barnes went on to say that he won’t change how he coaches.
“Let’s get to work,” he said.
All love for our guy @DBarnes_18 🤟
A special moment as @CoachJFranklin announces Deion Barnes as our defensive line coach. — #WeAre pic.twitter.com/v1HHaz7HMG
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) March 14, 2023
