Notre Dame Prep names Brent Barnes as its football coach

Brent Barnes, part of Norman (Okla.) North's 2012 state runner-up team, will become the third head football coach in Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep history, the school announced on Thursday.

Barnes was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Norman North the past four years. It finished among the top five in Class 6A three times in total offense and points scored and first in passing yardage.

Barnes played football at Edmond Santa Fe High in Oklahoma, where he was coached by current Arizona State defensive coordinator Keith Patterson.

He replaces Gary Gregory, who became coach after Scot Bemis became ill and battled cancer during the 2011 season. Gregory became the permanent coach after Bemis' death in January 2012. Bemis began Notre Dame's football program in 2002 and led the Saints to back-to-back state titles.

"Brent brings with him an outstanding combination of football knowledge and educational practice to NDP," Principal Jim Gmelich said in a release. "His personal faith and professional experience in the formation of young men and women make him the ideal individual to lead our football program."

Notre Dame will play its first football game on its campus next season with a new synthetic turf field stadium.

Barnes was the wide receivers and running backs coach at Tulsa (Okla.) Union High during a three-year run of state championships before he went to Norman North.

He began his teaching career at Tolleson High and served as the offensive coordinator at Buckeye High.

Barnes will be at Notre Dame for the start of May spring football.