Stephen Barnette was named co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff by head coach Alonzo Hampton, bringing a dynamic offensive perspective and a proven track record of developing talent to the Golden Lions football program.
In his role at UAPB, Barnette works alongside the offensive staff to co-coordinate the Golden Lions’ offensive attack while overseeing the wide receivers unit. He is responsible for developing explosive playmakers on the perimeter and contributes to game planning, pass-game design, and in-game adjustments.
Barnette arrives at UAPB following his most recent stint at the University of California, Berkeley, where he served as assistant wide receivers/running backs coach. During his time with the Golden Bears, he helped develop one of the nation’s top receivers in Jacob De Jesus, an ACC receptions leader and First-Team All-ACC selection. He also assisted with weekly game planning, pass-game schematics, and red zone strategy.
Prior to Cal, Barnette served as tight ends coach at North Carolina A&T State University (2024–25), contributing to both run and pass game planning, opponent breakdowns, and game-day adjustments, while also playing a key role in recruiting and player development.
Barnette previously worked at Duke University (2023–24) as an offensive analyst and assistant wide receivers coach, helping develop All-ACC wide receiver Jordan Moore, who recorded 59 receptions for 794 yards and eight touchdowns.
From 2022–23, Barnette served as wide receivers coach at the University of New Hampshire, helping lead the Wildcats to a Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) championship. His unit produced the conference’s freshman receiving touchdown leader.
He also spent two seasons at Towson University (2020–22) as assistant wide receivers and tight ends coach, where he helped develop All-CAA performer Caleb Smith.
Barnette began his coaching career at Fork Union Military Academy (2015–20) as passing game coordinator, helping guide the program to an undefeated season while developing multiple Division I athletes.
A former standout wide receiver, Barnette was a five-year letterwinner and three-year starter at the University of Richmond. A two-time All-CAA selection, he finished his career with 197 receptions for 2,844 yards and 17 touchdowns. In 2013, he led the conference in receptions and receiving yards, setting a single-season program record.
Barnette earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Richmond in 2014.
Coaching Experience
- 2026–Present – Co-Offensive Coordinator / Wide Receivers Coach, UAPB
- 2025–26 – Assistant Wide Receivers / Running Backs Coach, California
- 2024–25 – Tight Ends Coach, North Carolina A&T
- 2023–24 – Offensive Analyst / Assistant Wide Receivers Coach, Duke
- 2022–23 – Wide Receivers Coach, New Hampshire
- 2020–22 – Assistant Wide Receivers / Tight Ends Coach, Towson
- 2015–20 – Passing Game Coordinator, Fork Union Military Academy
Playing Experience
- University of Richmond (2009–13)
- Five-year letterwinner
- Three-year starter
- Two-time All-CAA selection
- 197 receptions, 2,844 yards, 17 TDs
- Led CAA in receptions and receiving yards (2013)
Education
- University of Richmond
- Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, 2014
