Penn State Nears Deal with Iowa State Coach Matt Campbell
In a notable development for collegiate athletics, Penn State is moving forward in finalizing an offer to hire Matt Campbell, the current head coach of Iowa State. This decision comes as athletic director Pat Kraft seeks to address the void left by James Franklin’s departure.
Penn State’s Search for a New Head Coach
Kraft visited Ames, Iowa, to meet with Campbell, suggesting a strong interest in securing his services. Sources report that the meeting was productive, with negotiations focused on contract terms on the following day.
Matt Campbell’s Coaching Record
- Overall coaching record: 107 wins, 70 losses
- Iowa State record (since 2016): 72 wins, 55 losses
- Big 12 conference record: 50 wins, 40 losses
- Big 12 title game appearances: 2
Under Campbell, Iowa State achieved significant victories, beating powerhouse teams Oklahoma and Texas multiple times. These wins are notable, considering the program’s history of only 12 triumphs against these teams in 128 years.
Implications for Iowa State
If Campbell’s move to Penn State becomes official, Iowa State will need to find his replacement. Potential candidates include:
- Taylor Mouser (current offensive coordinator)
- Jason Candle (Toledo head coach)
- Nathan Scheelhaase (LA Rams pass game coordinator and former ISU assistant)
- Jeff Monken (Army head coach)
The Context of Franklin’s Departure
James Franklin was dismissed following a disappointing stint, marked by three consecutive Big Ten losses. The Nittany Lions initially began the season with high hopes but faced a challenging roster of opponents, including a dramatic loss to No. 6 Oregon.
The culmination of frustrations among fans and a lack of success against top-ranked teams ultimately led to Franklin’s release. After parting ways, he accepted a new position as head coach at Virginia Tech, culminating in a settlement of $9 million with Penn State.
Current State of Penn State Football
During the interim period, Terry Smith took over as head coach. Under his leadership, the team faced further challenges before finishing the season with a record of 6 wins and 6 losses.
This coaching search is significant not only for the immediate future of the football program but also for its potential to impact the broader landscape of college football, drawing interest from several high-profile coaches in the process.
