Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Athletics

Rob Barbieri was promoted to Defensive Coordinator for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) football program in February 2024, continuing a successful tenure that began in 2019. He also serves as the team’s linebackers coach, a position in which he has mentored 11 All-Liberty League selections since joining the staff.

The defense A key architect of RPI’s nationally ranked defensive unit, Barbieri guided the Engineers to a No. 12 national ranking in red zone defense (61.3%), while also leading the Liberty League in rushing defense (3.07 yards per carry) in 2024. His linebacking corps has produced standout talent year after year, including multiple All-Region honorees and two-time First Team selection Anthony D’Agostino.

Barbieri previously held the role of Special Teams Coordinator (2022–2024), helping the Engineers finish fourth nationally in kick return average (25.75 YPR) and producing Liberty League Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2023. He also served as Director of Football Operations from 2020 to 2022, overseeing travel, logistics, and film coordination during a stretch that included a Liberty League title and NCAA quarterfinal appearance in 2021.

Before arriving in Troy, Barbieri coached the defensive line at Assumption College (2018–2019), where he developed three All-NE-10 performers. He also held a defensive quality control role at Middle Tennessee State (2017–2018), assisting with the safeties and special teams for a program that captured the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl.

A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter as a defensive lineman at Ithaca College, Barbieri totaled 105 career tackles, including 21.5 for loss and seven sacks. A team captain and All-Empire 8 selection, he helped the Bombers to two conference championships while earning accolades for leadership and service.

Barbieri holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Ithaca College and a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University.
preparation for the Blue Raiders, who won the RayCom Media Camellia Bowl.

Barbieri spent the spring semester of his senior year at coaching the inside linebackers while also assisting with recruiting and operations at Ithaca, his alma mater. He began his coaching career as a summer intern at Marist football, handling game film analysis and assisting with prospect camps.

As a defensive lineman for the Bombers, Barbieri was a four-year letter winner and a three-year starter who had 52 solo tackles and 53 assisted stops in his career. A captain as a senior, he also had 21.5 tackles for lost yards (71), seven sacks (38 yards lost), four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He was named All-Empire 8 once on a team that won a pair of conference titles. 

A member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Ithaca College Leadership Academy, Barbieri earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management.