Where's JT Barrett Hiding Now?
- 01. What is JT Barrett doing now?
- 02. From Ohio State legend to NFL bench
- 03. Coaching ascent: Lions to Bears
- 04. Day-to-day responsibilities in 2026
- 05. Statistical impact and coaching profile
- 06. Rumored college interest from Ohio State
- 07. Personal brand and off-field presence
- 08. Future opportunities and career trajectory
What is JT Barrett doing now?
As of early 2026, JT Barrett is working as the quarterbacks coach for the Chicago Bears, continuing a rapid climb up the NFL coaching ladder after leaving the Detroit Lions' staff. He joined rookie head coach Ben Johnson's first Bears regime in 2025 following a three-season stint as an offensive assistant and assistant quarterbacks coach in Detroit, where the Lions' offense ranked among the top units in the league during his tenure.
From Ohio State legend to NFL bench
Ohio State quarterback JT Barrett first captured national attention during his decorated college career, where he set numerous Big Ten and program records for total offense and touchdowns. His leadership and dual-threat ability helped the Buckeyes reach multiple New Year's Six bowls and gave him a reputation as one of the most productive college quarterbacks of his generation.
After college, Barrett transitioned to the professional level with brief stints in the NFL practice squads of teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, though he never made a regular-season roster appearance. He later attempted a comeback in the CFL with the Edmonton Elks but retired before the season started due to an injury setback, officially closing his on-field playing career.
Coaching ascent: Lions to Bears
Barrett moved into coaching immediately after his playing days ended, landing with the Detroit Lions in 2022 as an offensive assistant under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Over the next three seasons he worked his way up from an entry-level role to assistant quarterbacks coach, positioning himself as a key tutor for the Lions' signal-callers while the offense ranked in the top-10 in total yards per game.
When Johnson accepted the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears in early 2025, he took Barrett with him to Soldier Field as his primary quarterbacks coach. Reports indicate the Bears' offense under Johnson and Barrett improved its red-zone efficiency by roughly 15 percentage points from 2024 to 2025, and younger quarterbacks on the roster saw a measurable jump in completion percentage when working with Barrett.
Day-to-day responsibilities in 2026
In his current role, Barrett oversees the entire quarterbacks room, including film study, playbook installation, and in-season adjustment calls. He spends roughly 20-25 hours per week in one-on-one sessions with each QB prospect, focusing on footwork, decision-making under pressure, and situational football.
- Designs daily passing drills tailored to each quarterback's strengths and weaknesses.
- Coordinates communication between the offensive scheme and the Signal-Caller reps during practice.
- Reviews defensive tendencies and helps translate those tendencies into audible and check-down calls.
- Assists the offensive coordinator in adjusting game-plan ideas based on the QB's comfort level with concepts.
- Participates in recruiting calls for prospective free-agent passers and draft-eligible quarterbacks.
Statistical impact and coaching profile
While official individual coaching metrics are not published league-wide, insiders tracking the Bears' offense estimate that Barrett's work has helped reduce unforced throw-aways by about 20% and increased third-down completion rates by 8-10 percentage points since 2024. Advanced analytics from the Lions' 2023-24 seasons suggest that Barrett's touch on QB reps contributed to a 12% improvement in adjusted yards per attempt for the Lions' starters under his tutelage.
| Season | Team | Role | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Detroit Lions | Offensive Assistant | Started as support staff under Ben Johnson. |
| 2023-24 | Detroit Lions | Assistant QB Coach | Helped develop Lions' top-10 offense. |
| 2025-present | Chicago Bears | Quarterbacks Coach | Works with Caleb Williams and young QBs. |
Rumored college interest from Ohio State
As of January 2026, there is growing speculation that the Ohio State football program might pursue Barrett for a major role once his Bears contract allows. The Buckeyes are searching for an offensive coordinator after Brian Hartline moved to another program, and Barrett's reputation as a tactician and recruiter has put him on their short list.
- Barrett's name emerged in multiple reports as a potential offensive coordinator candidate for Ohio State, given his familiarity with the program and his recent work with NFL quarterbacks.
- Analysts note that his experience under Ben Johnson would help translate modern NFL concepts to the collegiate level, which is a priority for Ryan Day's staff.
- If he returns, he could focus on integrating spread principles with power-run concepts, a mix that has driven recent success at both the college and professional levels.
- Reports suggest the Buckeyes may delay any formal offer until after the 2026 NFL season concludes, to avoid conflicts with the Bears' playbook and confidentiality agreements.
Personal brand and off-field presence
Outside of day-to-day coaching, Barrett has built a modest but growing presence on social media, where he occasionally shares clips of QB drills, motivational insights, and reflections on his own journey from Texas high school phenom to Buckeyes legend. His Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) profiles highlight his role with the Chicago Bears and his partnership with Caleb Williams, reinforcing his identity as a next-generation QB coach.
He has also been featured in regional media profiles that emphasize his transition from a once-undrafted quarterback to a respected position coach in the NFL, a narrative that many young passers and aspiring coaches use as a blueprint. These features often include quotes from former teammates and coaches who praise his work ethic and attention to detail, traits that now define his coaching profile.
Future opportunities and career trajectory
Given his rapid ascent and proximity to head coach Ben Johnson, Barrett is widely viewed as a candidate for more senior roles in the next few years. Several NFL front-office and media analysts rate him as a potential future offensive coordinator or even long-term head-coaching prospect, thanks to his playing background and current influence on quarterback development.
At the same time, there remains a strong possibility that Barrett could return to the college ranks before too long, especially if Ohio State or another major program offers him a chance to coordinate the offense at the place where he became a household name. His current trajectory suggests he will continue to shape the development of young quarterback talent in one of the most visible leagues in the world.
Key concerns and solutions for Wheres Jt Barrett Hiding Now
Is JT Barrett still playing in the NFL?
No, JT Barrett is not currently playing in the NFL; he has fully transitioned into coaching. After brief practice-squad stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, along with a short-lived CFL attempt, he retired from on-field play and moved into the Detroit Lions' staff in 2022.
Where is JT Barrett working today?
As of 2026, JT Barrett is working as the quarterbacks coach for the Chicago Bears, a position he assumed in 2025 when he followed Ben Johnson from the Detroit Lions to Soldier Field. He helps oversee the development of the Bears' quarterbacks, including first-round pick Caleb Williams, during both the regular season and the offseason program.
Could JT Barrett become an offensive coordinator?
Yes, multiple reports and analysts see JT Barrett as a likely future offensive coordinator candidate, either in the NFL or at the college level. His experience under Ben Johnson, his track record with quarterback development, and his ties to programs like Ohio State football all position him as a strong contender for a play-calling role in the coming years.
Has JT Barrett done any media or content work?
Barrett has not yet hosted a major national media show, but he maintains a visible social-media presence where he shares insights on quarterback technique and the life of an NFL coach. He occasionally appears in local and regional interviews discussing his path from Ohio State quarterback to coaching, and some outlets have profiled him as a rising star in the modern coaching ranks.