Matt Campbell, the head coach of Iowa State, has reached an agreement for an eight-year contract to take over as the head coach at Penn State. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the deal is set to be reviewed by the compensation committee of the university’s board of trustees on Monday.
Campbell, who is the all-time winningest coach in Iowa State history, met with Penn State officials on Thursday evening prior to finalizing the contract on Friday. The decision comes as Penn State seeks to replace former coach James Franklin, who was dismissed on October 12 following a series of disappointing performances.
Campbell’s Impressive Track Record
During his decade-long tenure at Iowa State, Campbell established himself as a prominent figure in college football. He led the Cyclones to eight winning seasons, two appearances in the Big 12 Championship game, and a historic victory in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon in 2020, which secured the school’s first-ever top-10 finish in the Associated Press poll.
Originally from Massillon, Ohio, Campbell has strong ties to the Midwest. He played his college football at the University of Pittsburgh before transferring to Mount Union, where he won three national championships. His coaching career includes a successful stint at Toledo, where he compiled a record of 35-15 from 2011 to 2015.
In his final season at Iowa State, Campbell guided the team to a 8-4 record, rebounding from a challenging mid-season losing streak. The Cyclones had previously started the season with an impressive 5-0 record and were ranked as high as No. 14 in the AP poll.
Penn State’s Ambitious Goals
Campbell’s hiring comes at a pivotal moment for Penn State, which had preseason expectations to contend for a national championship in 2025 after reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals the previous season. Following Franklin’s departure, the university appointed longtime assistant Terry Smith as the interim head coach. Under Smith’s leadership, the team managed to secure bowl eligibility with a 6-6 record after winning their final three Big Ten games.
The coaching change follows a disappointing start to the season, with Penn State dropping out of the rankings after a three-game losing streak. Franklin has since signed a five-year contract to lead Virginia Tech, along with a settlement of $9 million regarding a $49 million buyout initially owed to him.
Throughout his time at Iowa State, Campbell developed numerous players who advanced to the NFL, including stars like Brock Purdy and Breece Hall. His ability to elevate the Cyclones program, which had not recorded a winning season since 2009 before his arrival, is a testament to his coaching prowess.
As Penn State prepares for a new chapter, Campbell’s proven track record and commitment to building competitive teams will be crucial as the university aims to reclaim its status among college football’s elite programs.
