HBCU Football Coordinator Carousel Brings Barnette Back to MEAC Home

The HBCU football coaching carousel is spinning again, and one reported move could send one of the subdivision's most productive offensive coordinators back to familiar ground. According to a report from Zach Barnett of FootballScoop, Alabama State offensive coordinator Chris Barnette is expected to take the same role at North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

Barnette's reported move to NCCU has not yet been formally announced. However, the surrounding moves are confirmed. Barnette has publicly stepped down at Alabama State, and the Hornets have already named Tony Hull as their new offensive coordinator. Meanwhile, Matt Leone, NCCU's former OC, has been officially hired as offensive coordinator at Tennessee State.

Barnette Confirms Exit at Alabama State

Barnette confirmed his departure from Alabama State in a post on X. He thanked university leadership, players, and staff for his time in Montgomery.

"Thank you Dr. Jason Cable & Eddie Robinson for the opportunity to lead and serve at Alabama State University," Barnette wrote. "I'll forever cherish the memories and be proud of the growth into an ELITE Offense."

His exit closes the book on a transformative two-season run. After taking over an Alabama State offense that ranked near the bottom of the FCS statistically, Barnette engineered one of the nation's sharpest turnarounds. In 2025, the Hornets ranked among the top 10 nationally in scoring offense, total offense, and rushing offense, and led the country in passing efficiency. The Hornets finished 10–2, posting one of the program's strongest seasons since the mid-2000s.

A Familiar Fit at North Carolina Central — If Finalized

If the FootballScoop report holds, Barnette's next stop would return him to North Carolina and the MEAC, a region where his résumé already carries weight. Before Alabama State, Barnette spent nearly a decade at North Carolina A&T, serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during one of the most dominant stretches in modern HBCU football.

Although Chris Barnette coached at A&T — NCCU's fiercest rival — his professional network overlaps directly with the Eagles' current leadership. NCCU head coach Trei Oliver has long-standing ties to Sam Washington, Barnette's former head coach at A&T and Oliver's mentor, dating back to their shared time under Rod Broadway.

Within HBCU coaching circles, those relationships matter. They often shape moves that appear surprising on the surface but are logical behind the scenes.

Why the Timing Makes Sense for NCCU

North Carolina Central is not searching for an offensive identity. The Eagles are attempting to maintain one. Under Matt Leone, NCCU became one of the MEAC's most consistent and explosive offensive programs. The Eagles produced multiple conference players of the year and routinely ranked near the top of the league in scoring and total offense. Leone's confirmed move to Tennessee State created a rare opening at NCCU: a successful program seeking continuity rather than reinvention.

Chris Barnette's background aligns with that need. His offenses have thrived in the MEAC, developed elite quarterbacks, and balanced explosive passing with efficient rushing attacks. If finalized, the reported hire would signal NCCU's intent to stay aggressive offensively rather than reset.

Why This Story Matters to the HBCU Community: The comings and goings of top HBCU football coordinators are closely watched within the HBCU alumni and fan base. Moves like this one, which bring a respected offensive mind back to familiar MEAC territory, are viewed as impactful for the overall health and competitiveness of the conference. HBCU sports enthusiasts take great pride in seeing their programs attract and retain elite coaching talent, as it signals the continued growth and rising prominence of HBCU athletics on the national stage.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.