George Washington University Athletics
Joe Barrer Joins Men's Basketball Staff as Assistant Coach
7/2/2026 9:45:00 AM | Men's Basketball
WASHINGTON - GW men's basketball has added former NBA G League head coach Joe Barrer as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, Head Coach Chris Caputo announced on Thursday.
"I'm incredibly excited to join Coach Caputo's staff at George Washington," Barrer said. "Chris has been one of my closest friends in the coaching profession for more than 20 years, and I've always admired the culture and program he's built. It's a privilege to work alongside such a talented staff at a prestigious university like GW."
Barrer comes to GW with a wealth of experience over 20 years in the industry. Most recently, he was the head coach of the Birmingham Squadron, the G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans in 2025-26 after joining the staff as an assistant in 2023-24. He previously worked for the Orlando Magic G League affiliate in Lakeland, Fla., as the head coach in 2022-23 and for four seasons as an assistant, winning the 2021 NBA G League title in the process.
The native Iowan has spent time as an assistant coach for the Iowa Energy (Minnesota Timberwolves affiliate) and held the same position at Division III Bethel University and Division II Truman State University. He also served as the head coach at Assumption High School in Iowa after getting his start in coaching as the Director of Basketball Operations at George Mason, working alongside Coach Caputo during the Patriots' 2006 run to the Final Four.
"Joe brings a unique skill set to our program," Caputo said. "Having done everything from being a G League head coach to coaching high school, there really isn't anything Joe has not seen or done in our business. I think his experience in the NBA will really be a tremendous value add for our players."
Barrer played collegiately at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, helping lead his alma mater to the MCC championship in 2000, 2002 and 2003 and advancing to a pair of NAIA National Tournaments in 2000 and 2003. He earned his Bachelor's in Physical Education from St. Ambrose and holds a Master's in Fitness & Health Promotion from George Mason.
"I'm incredibly excited to join Coach Caputo's staff at George Washington," Barrer said. "Chris has been one of my closest friends in the coaching profession for more than 20 years, and I've always admired the culture and program he's built. It's a privilege to work alongside such a talented staff at a prestigious university like GW."
Barrer comes to GW with a wealth of experience over 20 years in the industry. Most recently, he was the head coach of the Birmingham Squadron, the G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans in 2025-26 after joining the staff as an assistant in 2023-24. He previously worked for the Orlando Magic G League affiliate in Lakeland, Fla., as the head coach in 2022-23 and for four seasons as an assistant, winning the 2021 NBA G League title in the process.
The native Iowan has spent time as an assistant coach for the Iowa Energy (Minnesota Timberwolves affiliate) and held the same position at Division III Bethel University and Division II Truman State University. He also served as the head coach at Assumption High School in Iowa after getting his start in coaching as the Director of Basketball Operations at George Mason, working alongside Coach Caputo during the Patriots' 2006 run to the Final Four.
"Joe brings a unique skill set to our program," Caputo said. "Having done everything from being a G League head coach to coaching high school, there really isn't anything Joe has not seen or done in our business. I think his experience in the NBA will really be a tremendous value add for our players."
Barrer played collegiately at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, helping lead his alma mater to the MCC championship in 2000, 2002 and 2003 and advancing to a pair of NAIA National Tournaments in 2000 and 2003. He earned his Bachelor's in Physical Education from St. Ambrose and holds a Master's in Fitness & Health Promotion from George Mason.
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