 Barry played linebacker at the University of Michigan from 1989 to 1990 before transferring to the University of Southern California.Prior to coaching in the NFL, Barry held coaching positions in college football at Northern Arizona, UNLV, and USC.At a press conference on December 21, 2008, following the Lions' 42–7 loss to the New Orleans Saints, "Detroit News" sports columnist Rob Parker addressed a question about Barry to Rod Marinelli, inquiring whether Marinelli wished that his daughter had "married a better defensive coordinator."