Mike Barela

MIKE BARELA Offensive Line First Season at Valdosta State North Texas ‘97 Kinesiology

Mike Barela joins Valdosta State University in 2022 coaching the Offensive Line. He is a 26-year veteran of coaching with prior stops at Colorado Mesa University, University of the Incarnate Word, Northeastern State (Ok), Southwest Baptist, Texas State University, University of North Texas, Sam Houston State University, and Morningside College. At Colorado Mesa in 2020 under first year Head Coach Tremaine Jackson, Barela took over the duties of coaching the offensive line after originally coaching the Tight Ends. In 2021, he added the Co-Offensive Coordinator title and helped CMU to an 8-2 record and rank 19th in Division II in total offense (452.3 ypg). In addition, CMU led the RMAC in total offense and rushing offense (194.8 ypg / 5.2 yds per attempt / 24 TDs), finished second in passing offense (257.5 ypg), and third in scoring offense (33.7 pts per game). During the pandemic shortened 2020 season, the CMU run game averaged 241.7 yds per game in the 3 games played (5.1 yds per attempt). The 2019 season saw the CMU tight ends combine for 30 receptions and 419 yards with 3 TDs. This included RMAC All-Conference TE selection sophomore Dagan Rienks production of 23 catches, 306 yards, 3 TDs. Barela also coordinated the kick-off return unit. CMU finished the regular season ranked 3rd nationally in Division II kick-off returns averaging 26.95 per return. Freshman Justin White finished #1 nationally in D2 kick-off returns averaging 38.1 yards (15 returns for 571 yds / 1 TD).

In 2018, he inherited an experienced group of tight ends that helped an offense to rank nationally in total offense (485.2 yds), passing offense (275.4 yds, 21 TDs), and rushing offense (209.8 yds, 26 TDs). He also mentored TE Tanner Quick to RMAC All-Conference honors.

He spent 2015-2017 at the University of Incarnate Word coaching the tight ends in 2015 and 2017.

In 2016 he spent one year tutoring the team’s nickelbacks on UIW’s nationally ranked defense. Coaching the tight ends in 2015, the Cardinals finished 6-5 in just their second year as a NCAA FCS and Southland Conference member. Barela helped to develop 1st Team All-Conference TE Cole Wick (30 receptions, 364 yds/2 TDs). Wick would eventually sign with the NFL Detroit Lions. He returned to coaching the tight ends in 2017 and added the title of Run Game Coordinator. In 2017, the tight ends combined for 36 catches for 321 yards and 7 TD’s. Also, he coordinated the kick-off return unit for the Cardinal special teams in 2017. The kick-off return unit featured a kick returner who led D-1 FCS with 3 TD’s on 23 returns in 8 games averaging 29.78 yards per return.

From 2012-13, he served as offensive line coach and run-game coordinator at NCAA D-II Northeastern State (OK). In his final season at NSU, Barela was named a finalist for the 2013 AFCA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year.

In 2013, returning two starters to the offensive line, and despite injuries to key personnel; the offense was able to average 157.5 rushing yards per game with 17 rushing TD’s. Barela tutored three MIAA all-conference offensive linemen and a 2013 Capital One Division II Academic All-American (Ross Dvorak).

The 2012 season was Northeastern State’s first in the MIAA, and Barela helped mold an offensive line that featured five new starters. He helped produce a 1,000-yard rusher (NSU’s first since 2003), two MIAA all-conference offensive linemen, and an All-American (Michael Bowie – a 7th round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks). The offensive line allowed 11 sacks in 338 pass attempts for the entire year. During Barela’s tenure, NSU rushed for 3,490 yds and scored 34 TDs on the ground.

In 2011, his lone season at Southwest Baptist, Barela helped the Bearcats to their third consecutive winning season. The offensive line helped SBU’s spread offense average 154.8 rushing yards per game with 20 rushing TD’s.

From 2007-10, Barela served as the tight ends coach at Texas State University. During his tenure at Texas State, he was part of a staff that helped establish numerous school records, including a conference championship (2008). In 2009, the offense ranked #7 nationally in passing (289 ypg) and 12th in scoring offense (32 points per game). 2008 saw the offense finish #7 nationally in scoring (36 points per game), and #8 in total offense (453.2 ypg). In addition, Tight End John Gilley earned All-Southland Conference honors. In 2007 for the first time in school history, the offense produced a 1,000 yd rusher, 1,000 yd receiver, and 2,000 yd passer in the same year.

From 2002-06, Barela served as the Director of Football Operations at North Texas. While a member of Darrell Dickey’s Mean Green staff, Barela was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the football program. UNT won three straight Sun Belt Conference Championships during Barela’s five seasons.

In 2000 and ‘01, Barela coached the tight ends for Coach Ron Randleman at Sam Houston State. Barela coached First-Team All-America tight end Keith Heinrich during his two seasons at Sam Houston State. Heinrich would go on to be the sixth-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in the 2002 NFL Draft. During his two seasons with Sam Houston State, the Bearkats had a combined 17-7 record including a 10-3 record in 2001 with a shared Southland Conference championship.

Barela’s coaching experience also includes time at then NCAA D-II Morningside College (1999) where he was the offensive line coach. He helped produce two North Central all-conference offensive linemen.

He was a graduate assistant coach at his alma mater North Texas from 1996-98, working with the offensive line and tight ends after he completed his career at North Texas playing linebacker and special teams.

Barela is married to wife Lauren and are the proud parents of sons Reece (9) and Hudson (7).