Chris Barnette joins North Carolina Central University as the Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator on Feb. 1, 2026. Barnette brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of winning championships, developing quarterbacks, and building explosive, efficient offenses.
Barnette just completed his second season as offensive coordinator at Alabama State University, helping the Hornets finish with a 10-2 record. The 2025 Hornets’ offense was electric all year, scoring at least 30 PPG in every contest. The Hornet offense led the conference in nearly every key category, including Team Passing Efficiency -194.11 (National Rank #1), Scoring Offense - 42.4 PPG (National Rank #2), 3rd Down Conversion - 51.4% (National Rank #4), Total Offense - 460.5 YPG (National Rank #5) Red Zone Offense - 91.4% (National Rank #7). The Hornets ranked #2 in the conference in Rushing Offense - 213 YPG and first downs – 22.2 pg. Barnette’s mentee, Andrew Body earned HBCU Offensive Player of the Year and SWAC Offensive Player of the Year.
Prior to joining Alabama State, Barnette served as the offensive coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at Winston-Salem State in 2023. Barnette’s mentee, Quarterback Daylin Lee, earned All-Conference Honors as a true freshman.
In 2021, Barnette was selected for the NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowship with the Washington Football Team, now known as the Washington Commanders. He assisted with the wide receivers during training camp and organized team activities.
From 2015 to 2022, Barnette played a crucial role in the success of North Carolina A&T State University as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach. During his tenure, the Aggies won four Conference Championships and four Celebration Bowl Championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019). During that time, the team also achieved victories over 3 FBS opponents, including Kent State (2015), UNC-Charlotte (2016), and East Carolina University (2018).
Barnette served as Offensive Coordinator from 2018 to 2022. During his final year, NC A&T boasted the #1 Rushing Offense and #2 ranked 3rd Down Offense in the Big South Conference. The rushing offense was led by current Jacksonville Jaguar, Bhayshul Tuten, helping the Aggies to a 7-4 record.
In 2019, Barnette orchestrated an offense that finished 6th nationally, averaging 38.1 points per game. The NC A&T offense led the MEAC Conference in seven statistical categories, including points per game, total offense, rushing offense, red zone offense, first downs, fourth down conversion rate, and time of possession. During the 2019 HBCU National Championship, the Aggies scored a Celebration Bowl record 64 points, defeating Alcorn State 64-44. Quarterback Kylil Carter earned Celebration Bowl MVP after a stellar performance, throwing for 364 yds and 6 TD’s. During his time at NC A&T, Barnette also developed QB Lamar Raynard. Raynard was the 2017 MEAC Offensive Player of the Year and the 2018 Celebration Bowl MVP.
Prior to NC A&T, Barnette spent 8 years at Guilford College, serving as the receivers coach(2007-2010) and Offensive Coordinator/Quarterback Coach (2011-2014) During his final year, Barnette’s prolific offense averaged 40.7 PPG and were nationally ranked in several categories including: 1st in 3rd down (58.1%), 1st in Passing Efficiency (176.39), 3rd in Passing Yds (349.5 YPG), 6th in Total Offense (507 YPG). Barnette’s mentee, Quarterback Matt Pawlowski earned All American honors.
During Spring 2008, Barnette served as the Offensive Coordinator for Elancourt Templiers of the French Elite League. The team finished 9-3 and played in the League Championship Game.
Barnette played collegiately at Guilford College (2003-2006). During his career, he caught a school record 266 receptions for 2,953 yds and 30 TD’s. Barnette was a two-time All-American Performer and earned 2006 ODAC Conference Player of the Year.
Barnette is a Person County native with several family ties to North Carolina Central University. Barnette and his wife Tamara, have two children, Nya and Amir.
