University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Barnett Reunites with Narduzzi in Pittsburgh
2/13/2026 2:21:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—When Harlon Barnett returned to the same building as Pat Narduzzi, it wasn't a new connection, it was a reunion years in the making.
"This was the third time," Barnett said. "He asked me when he first came, then again after the 2017 season going into 2018, and then this time…and I finally said, 'Yeah, let's go.'"
For Barnett, the fit was immediate, especially with so many familiar faces in the defensive meeting room.
"Another big reason is that I know the entire defensive staff personally," he said. "It was a great fit at this time in my coaching career."
Barnett and Narduzzi spent 11 straight seasons together, three at Cincinnati and eight at Michigan State, before going their separate ways for another 11 years.
"We're brothers for life," Barnett said. "We're connected for life."
From the booth, they built trust through constant communication, shared standards and winning football. Even now, Barnett says much of what Narduzzi does feels familiar.
"It's a lot of the same stuff," Barnett said. "Discipline, accountability, leadership. It's everything I was used to."
Barnett's connections across much of the staff run deep, though, and he's quickly settled in alongside defensive coordinator Cory Sanders.
"Cory's a great coach and a great man," Barnett said. "Great communicator, great teacher…and he cares about young people."
And with Pitt's safeties and defensive backs, Barnett's identity is clear: fundamentals, technique, and doing things the right way every rep.
"Do what you're supposed to do, when you're supposed to do it, how you're supposed to do it, every time," he said. "That's discipline."
It's the standard Barnett lives by, and the one he's bringing to Pitt's defense from the start.
"I feel at home," he said. "Very comfortable."
