Matt Campbell Selected as Penn State’s New Football Coach
Penn State University has officially appointed Matt Campbell as its new head football coach. This announcement comes after a 54-day search process. Campbell, who previously coached at Iowa State, will lead the Nittany Lions under an eight-year contract.
Matt Campbell’s Coaching Career
Before joining Penn State, Campbell spent ten seasons at Iowa State. During his tenure, he achieved a 72-55 record, including five seasons with eight or more wins. This notable success makes him one of the most effective coaches in Iowa State’s history.
Achievements at Iowa State
- Ten years as head coach
- 72 wins and 55 losses
- Five seasons with at least eight wins
- Led the team to an 8-4 record in the latest season
Prior to Iowa State, Campbell was the head coach at Toledo for over four seasons. He compiled a 35-15 record with three nine-win seasons, showcasing his ability to build competitive teams.
The Search for a New Head Coach
The journey to hire Campbell began on October 12, when former head coach James Franklin was dismissed after 11 years. Franklin’s tenure included a 104-45 record, one College Football Playoff appearance, and a Big Ten championship.
A Complicated Search Process
Penn State’s search for a new coach faced several challenges. The university initially targeted Kalani Sitake from BYU, but he opted to remain with the Cougars. Other candidates declined the opportunity as well, leading to a protracted selection process.
With Campbell at the helm, fans of Penn State football hope for a new era of success and competitiveness in the Big Ten Conference.
