COLLEGE PARK, MD – The University of Maryland football program has announced the return of Matt Barnes as Special Teams Coordinator, marking his second stint in College Park. Barnes rejoins the Terrapins, bringing extensive Power Conference experience and a proven history of building productive defensive and special teams units.

Barnes spent the past two seasons at Mississippi State, where he served as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach. He helped spark significant defensive improvement from 2024 to 2025, with the Bulldogs increasing production in points allowed, sacks, turnovers and third-down defense. Mississippi State totaled 13 interceptions in 2025, ranking third in the SEC behind only LSU and Texas. The Bulldogs posted an upset win over No. 12 Arizona State early in the season and ended the year playing in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

Prior to his time at Mississippi State, Barnes was the defensive coordinator at the University of Memphis (2022-23). His 2023 defense ranked 17th nationally on third down (31%) and fourth on fourth down (30%), while finishing among FBS leaders in takeaways. Memphis capped the 2022 season with a 38-10 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl victory and saw eight players earn All-AAC honors under his guidance.

Barnes also spent three seasons at Ohio State, helping the Buckeyes win three Big Ten titles and reach two College Football Playoffs. He called defensive plays for the final 11 games of 2021, during which Ohio State allowed just 20.3 points per game and led the nation in defensive touchdowns. He's also previously worked at Michigan and Florida, contributing to multiple top-ranked defensive and special teams units.

During his first stint at Maryland (2016-18), Barnes coached linebackers and coordinated special teams for three seasons. The Terrapins ranked 18th nationally in kickoff return average in 2018 and were among the nation's leaders in blocked punts and net punting. He also mentored All-American Tre Watson and All-Big Ten linebackers Jermaine Carter and Shane Cockerille.