Former Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett is a legend in the college football world, and now he’s trying his hand at coaching, accepting a job with the Detroit Lions. The three-time Big Ten Quarterback of the Year has signed with the Lions as an offensive assistant, marking his first coaching job in either the NFL or college football following his playing career.
The Lions announced the move on Twitter Saturday morning.
#Lions announced today that J.T. Barrett has joined the coaching staff as an Offensive Assistant. pic.twitter.com/0vUV6VekJe
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 23, 2022
Barrett was a four-year starter at Ohio State from 2014 to 2018, leading the Buckeyes to three Big Ten championships, two College Football Playoff appearances, and an undefeated 4-0 record against the rival Michigan Wolverines.
As a redshirt freshman filling in for injured starting quarterback Braxon Miller, was a Heisman Trophy contender in his first season as a starter before suffering an ankle injury in the final regular season game. The Buckeyes went on to win the inaugural College Football Playoff behind the heroics of third-string quarterback Cardale Jones and star running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Following his career at Ohio State, Barrett signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent and stayed with the team for multiple years on the practice squad. Barrett was also a practice squad player for the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers during his professional stint and finished his playing career with the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League.
Widely, known for his leadership during his time at Ohio State, most in the college football world thought it was just a matter of time before Barrett moved into coaching. Upon hearing that it finally happened, the football world reacted accordingly.
Future head coach https://t.co/lrNHZO1X3A
— Mark Pantoni (@markpantoni) July 23, 2022
JT Barrett has always been destined to be a coach. Now, his career begins and he’ll do some work with the QBs. https://t.co/1rBb6uBRDM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2022
Good luck, @JT_theQB4th! 🙌 https://t.co/hmSCsDEjGq
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) July 23, 2022
Well, he already owns the whole state of Michigan, so I guess this makes sense. https://t.co/oryV7itlhz
— Land-Grant Holy Land (@Landgrant33) July 23, 2022
I disavow https://t.co/jYnYzE2NMF
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) July 23, 2022
It is at least a little ironic that he’s beginning his coaching career in the state of Michigan given his dominance and disdain for the Wolverines throughout his playing career, but hopefully he and the Michigan faithful can put the past behind them.