Bio

Caleb Barnes joined the Storm coaching staff as special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach in February 2026. 

Barnes came to Simpson after spending the 2024 and 2025 seasons at Coe College, where he served as the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator. Prior to his time at Coe, Barnes had two stints at Luther College, working as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator from 2013-17 before returning in 2022 as the defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator.

His coaching resume also includes time at Nebraska Wesleyan, where he coached defensive backs and coordinated special teams. Barnes has also held coaching positions at Illinois College (defensive backs), William Penn University (tackles and tight ends) and Adrian College (running backs).

A native of Michigan, Barnes earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from Alma College in 2007 and a master’s degree from William Penn in 2012. He was a four-year member of the football team at Alma after beginning his collegiate career at Grand Valley State.

Caleb and his wife, Bethany, have one daughter, Annie.