FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The Fairmont State University Athletic Department and Director of Athletics, Greg Bamberger have named Luke Barker as the 19^th head football coach in program history.

"We are thrilled to bring on Coach Barker as our new head football coach," said Bamberger "He comes from a great pedigree and success at the University of Charleston, Indiana University of Pennsylvania as an Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator. I know he is going to bring a lot of energy and excitement to our team, and we look forward to seeing what he can do as the new leader of Falcon Football."

Barker has numerous ties to the Mountain East Conference including his most recent stop as the Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator at the University of Charleston. During his stint with the Golden Eagles, he coached eight different All-MEC players including the 2021 and 2023 Offensive Player of the Year.

"We are excited to welcome Luke Barker to the Falcon Family," said Fairmont State University President, Dr. Michael Davis. "When I spoke to Luke during the interview process, he expressed his desire to be part of what we are building here at Fairmont State as a true partner with the community and I am looking forward to watching the team flourish under his leadership. I want to extend my gratitude to the community members and Fairmont State faculty and staff who served on this search committee. I know it was an extremely competitive pool and we are thankful for their commitment to the process and to Fairmont State University."

Over his three seasons at Charleston, the team went 27-10 with a conference title in 2023 and reaching the second round of the super region in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Last year, Barker's offense led the conference in scoring, first downs, rushing touchdowns, total yards, total touchdowns and several other categories.

"My family and I are extremely excited to be joining the Fairmont State University community," said Barker. "We are excited to be part of this great university and close-knit community. I want to thank Dr. Davis and Greg Bamberger for their support throughout this process and I look forward to working with both."

Prior to Charleston, Barker was the Assistant Head Coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania while also serving as the running backs and tight ends coach. Spanning over six seasons, IUP went 50-11 with four trips to the NCAA Division II Playoffs with a National Semifinal Appearance in 2017.

Barker came to IUP from West Virginia Wesleyan. He spent two seasons with the Bobcats, coaching the Running Backs and heading up the special teams under head coach George Shehl.

During his two years at WVW, Barker worked with young running back Michael Anderson, who ran for a combined 1,156 yards and seven touchdowns during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Anderson also was a reliable receiving threat out of the backfield, catching 42 passes for 416 yards in 2014.

"Our goal is to create a winning program on and off the field," Barker added. "We want to foster meaningful relationships throughout the Fairmont community and help develop great people. Our goal is to SOAR in all we do!"

The Cincinnati native graduated from the University of Charleston in 2012 with a degree in Business Administration. He and his wife, Nicole, have one son: Wilson.