Barry Tripp, Johnson C. Smith

Barry Tripp enters his third season as Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Johnson C. Smith University in 2024. In 2023, his defense led the nation in Total Defense and ranked in the top 10 in Rushing Defense (#6), Pass Defense (#7), 3rd Down Conversion Defense (#2), and First Down Defense (#2). The defense, anchored by linebackers Benari Black (First Team All-Conference) and Jaqurius Smith (Second Team All-Conference), was dominant under his guidance.

Tripp’s expertise was demonstrated at Fort Valley State in 2021, where his defense ranked 3rd in tackles for loss and 7th in Red Zone Defense. At Fayetteville State, his defenses contributed to three CIAA Southern Division Championships, and at Winston-Salem State, he coached Duvontae Covington to CIAA Defensive Player of the Year honors, developing multiple All-CIAA players.