Joining the Sycamore program as Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach under third-year head coach Lou West is Steve Barrows. He comes to ISU from Charleston Southern University where he has been the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach since 2003.

During his time at CSU, Barrows' defense set the school records for lowest scoring average allowed, fewest rushing yards allowed, and most interceptions in a season. He helped guide two-time all-conference, and 2005 defensive player of the year Jada Ross to a school record 128 tackles in one season. Barrows also led 2003 rookie of the year Jonna Lee, and has guided four different linebackers to all-conference honors, with all of them receiving the honor more than once.

Prior to coaching at Charleston Southern, Barrows guided Division III Anderson University as head coach for four seasons. During those seasons, he produced teams that exceeded predictions and expectations, in terms of victories, school records, and in progress made.

Barrows inherited a team that had posted a 2-18 record over the 1997-1998 campaigns (0-10 in 1998), and after two rebuilding seasons, produced a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference champion in 2001. Barrows' teams turned in a 15-5 record in his last two seasons.

In addition to four years at Anderson, Barrows possesses another 17 years of coaching experience, starting with Ohio University as a student assistant. After receiving his bachelor's degree in physical education, he continued at Ohio as a graduate assistant, the same post he would hold at the University of Washington.

Seasons at William Penn College (1991), University of Minnesota-Morris (1994-95), and Bethany College (1996-98) preceded his term at Anderson University. Barrows served on CSU head coach Jay Mills' staff at Minnesota-Morris.

Barrows earned a master's degree in physical education with emphasis in athletic administration while at Ohio University, and taught in those fields at Anderson, Bethany, Minnesota-Morris, and William Penn College. Between college stints, Barrows coached and taught at Jacksonville High School in North Carolina on two occasions.

Barrows resides in Terre Haute with his wife Jennifer and daughter Emma (10).