Mars Hill University announced today the promotion of Kevin Barnette to head football coach, continuing a remarkable Mars Hill story that spans more than four decades as both player and coach.
Barnette, who has served as the Lions’ defensive coordinator for the past 31 years, becomes the senior member of the coaching staff and brings a rich history to the program. His appointment ensures a seamless transition following the retirement of legendary head coach Tim Clifton after 32 seasons.
Director of Athletics Rick Baker praised the continuity and deep institutional knowledge Barnette brings to the role.
“Coach Barnette has been on the football staff for 37 years. He grew up in Mars Hill, had a very successful career playing football for the Lions and after graduating and pursuing a few short coaching stints at other institutions he returned to MHU in 1988 and has been coaching Lion athletes ever since,” Baker said.
Barnette returned to his alma mater in 1988 after a brief coaching stint at Wingate University. Over more than three decades on staff, he has been instrumental in developing the defensive schemes that helped the Lions achieve two Mountain Division Championships in the last four seasons and establish themselves as a consistent contender in the South Atlantic Conference.
“I want to thank God for the opportunity to be the Head Football Coach here at Mars Hill University. Knowing that I’m an alumnus and grew up in this town makes it even more of a blessing to me! I humbly look forward to leading this staff and football program” said Coach Barnette.
As a player, Barnette was a standout defensive back who earned recognition as a four-year letter winner and two-time All-South Atlantic Conference selection. In 1984, he was named second-team All-American by the NAIA and earned All-Conference academic honors. A two-time All-District 26 selection, Barnette set school records that still stand today, including most interceptions in a game (3) and holding the former record for most interceptions in a season (8). He was inducted into the Mars Hill Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.
Following his graduation, Barnette began his coaching career at Asheville Junior High School, where he served as defensive coordinator while also coaching wrestling and teaching in the physical education department. He spent one season as defensive line coach at Wingate University in 1987 before a brief stint at Forest Hills High School as defensive coordinator.
When Barnette joined the Mars Hill staff in 1988 as defensive backfield coach, he quickly established himself as a key contributor to the program’s success. After just one season, he was promoted to defensive coordinator, a position he has held for over three decades while helping to develop countless All-Conference and All-American players.
Barnette holds a master’s degree in sports science from the United States Sports Academy and serves as a member of the physical education department faculty. He is married to the former Recy Coleman, and they have two sons, Elisha and Nehemiah, and one daughter, Anna. The family resides in Mars Hill.
The appointment maintains the strong family culture that has defined Mars Hill football under Coach Clifton’s leadership, with Barnette poised to build upon that foundation while bringing his own vision to the program.
Baker emphasized that Barnette shares the same values-driven approach that has defined Mars Hill football.
“Coach Barnette, like Tim Clifton, is a competitor who wants to win. However, his main goal is to lead student-athletes so that when they leave MHU they will be positive leaders in their communities,” Baker said. “We are very lucky to have Coach Barnette and the rest of his staff in place to continue the football program’s success.”
The Lions open the 2025 season at home on September 6 against Winston-Salem State University.
About Mars Hill University:
Mars Hill University is a premier private, liberal arts institution offering over 30 baccalaureate degrees, as well as master’s degrees in criminal justice, elementary education, teaching, and management. Founded in 1856 by Baptist families of the region, the campus is located just 20 minutes north of Asheville in the mountains of western North Carolina.
