Luke Barker is appointed as Fairmont State University’s 19th head football coach.
Luke Barker is Fairmont State University’s 19th head football coach in program history.
Greg Bamberger, athletic director at Fairmont State, stated, “We are excited to have Coach Barker join our team as our new head football coach.” “As an offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the University of Charleston, he has an impressive background. He will undoubtedly infuse our squad with enthusiasm and energy, and we are eager to see what he can accomplish in his new role as Falcon Football’s head coach.
Including his most recent position as the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at the University of Charleston, Barker has a long history with the Mountain East Conference. He coached eight different All-MEC players when he was with the Golden Eagles, including the Offensive Player of the Year in 2021 and 2023.
Luke Barker is a welcome addition to the Falcon Family, according to Fairmont State University President Mikel Davis. “I am excited to see the team succeed under Luke’s guidance. During the interview process, I spoke with Luke and he stated his desire to be a genuine partner with the community in what we are doing here at Fairmont State.
“I would want to express my appreciation to the Fairmont State faculty, staff, and members of the community who participated in this search committee. I am aware that the pool was very competitive, and we appreciate their dedication to the procedure and to Fairmont State University,” Davis went on.
During his three years at Charleston, the team finished 27-10, won the conference in 2023, and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs’ second round of the super region. In a number of metrics last year, including total yards, total touchdowns, first downs, running touchdowns, and scoring, Barker’s offense was the best in the conference.
Barker remarked, “My family and I are very excited to be joining the Fairmont State University community.” Being a part of this wonderful university and close-knit community excites us. I appreciate all of the help I’ve received from Dr. Davis and Greg Bamberger, and I’m excited to continue working with them both.
Before moving to Charleston, Barker was the running backs and tight ends coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in addition to being the associate head coach. IUP finished 50-11 over the course of six seasons, making four visits to the NCAA Division II Playoffs and reaching the national semifinals in 2017.
Barker arrived from Wesleyan College in West Virginia to IUP. He was head coach of the special teams under George Shehl and head coach of the running backs during his two seasons with the Bobcats.
Barker worked with rookie running back Michael Anderson throughout his two years at Wesleyan. Anderson rushed for 1,156 yards and seven touchdowns in his freshman and sophomore seasons combined. In 2014, Anderson caught 42 passes for 416 yards out of the backfield, where he was also a dependable receiving threat.
Barker stated, “We want to build a successful program both on and off the field.” “We want to help great people develop and build meaningful relationships throughout the Fairmont community.” Our aim is to excel at all we do!
The Cincinnati native earned a business administration degree from the University of Charleston in 2012.