Western Kentucky University Football has announced the hiring of Jason Barnes as the program’s new Wide Receivers Coach. The addition of Barnes to the Hilltoppers’ coaching staff was confirmed on Wednesday.
Barnes joins WKU after a two-year stint at Charlotte, where he served as Wide Receivers Coach in 2024 and an Offensive Analyst in 2023. His coaching journey has also included roles at Coastal Carolina as an Offensive Analyst, Bridgewater College as Wide Receivers Coach, and Georgia Military College in the same position. He began his coaching career at Dutch Fork High School in South Carolina, where he spent six successful seasons.
A former standout wide receiver at the University of South Carolina from 2007 to 2011, Barnes appeared in 51 games during his collegiate career. Following his time as a Gamecock, he pursued a professional playing career with the San Diego Chargers in the NFL and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL.
A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Barnes brings a wealth of experience as both a coach and a former player. His diverse background in coaching at the collegiate and high school levels, combined with his experience as a professional athlete, makes him a valuable addition to WKU’s football program.
Barnes is set to take the reins of the Hilltoppers’ receiving corps as they prepare for the upcoming season, aiming to build on WKU’s strong offensive tradition.
