Barefield enters his fourth season with the Fire football team, having served as a graduate assistant during 2013, helping the team prepare for its first season of competition the following year.

During his first season as offensive coordinator in 2015, the Fire finished fourth in the NAIA in scoring per game at 42.4 points per game, and were fifth in first downs with 167. SEU also ranked 25th in the nation in total offense per game at 413 yards per contest. 

In 2014, Barefield primarily worked with the wide recievers. The Fire averaged 229.4 passing yards per game during their rookie season, ranking 32nd in the NAIA. 

The son of head coach Keith Barefield, Keith Jr. began his coaching career at the University of Central Oklahoma as a graduate assistant. 

He was a four-year starter at tight end at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, playing for his father. Barefield was a three-time all-conference selection and was named to the 2011 NAIA Super 72 team.