After completing his master’s degree in counselling education, Goldberg accepted a position as a drug rehabilitation counselor while working part-time as the
American University volleyball coach. At the conclusion of the 1989 season, Goldberg's Eagles amassed a 25-11 record and he was named 1999 Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year. Once the team moved to the Patriot League division in 2001, Goldberg helped the Eagles win 64 matches and four NCAA Tournaments to claim 400 wins by 2005. By 2016, Goldberg led the Eagles to 14 Patriot League tournament championships as he earned his 700th win as head coach The following year, he signed a five-year contract extension to stay with the Eagles. Three years later, he helped the team earn their 16th Patriot League Championship under his leadership and first since 2011. Goldberg is the winningest coach in American University history, with 812 career victories. In February 2026, the university honored his legacy by dedicating the Barry Goldberg Court within the Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance. ==Personal life and death==