Iowa State Staffers Likely Joining Matt Campbell at Penn State, Harrisburg Native Included
Penn State has appointed Matt Campbell as their 17th full-time head coach, concluding a search that lasted over 50 days. Campbell, notable for being a three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and Iowa State’s winningest coach, inherits challenges as he transitions to the Nittany Lions.
Building the Coaching Staff
A major task for Campbell will be assembling his coaching staff for Penn State’s 2026 season. Several candidates from the existing team under former coach James Franklin may remain, especially given that Franklin has moved to Virginia Tech. Notably, reports indicate that Campbell will retain Terry Smith, the former interim head coach, on a four-year deal.
Top Candidates from Iowa State
- Jon Heacock – Defensive Coordinator
Heacock has been with Campbell throughout his tenure at Iowa State and possesses over 40 years of coaching experience. His defensive strategies helped Iowa State achieve several top 30 finishes in scoring defense. However, the unit has struggled to generate turnovers and sacks. - Taylor Mouser – Offensive Coordinator
Mouser held various roles before becoming offensive coordinator in his second season. Under his guidance, the offense has seen mixed results, ranking mediocre nationally in scoring and yardage. - Eli Rasheed – Defensive Line Coach
Rasheed has a long-standing connection with Campbell dating back to their time at Toledo in 2009. He has overseen the development of several notable players, but sack production has not been stellar in recent seasons. - Noah Pauley – Wide Receivers Coach
Pauley has transformed the wide receiver unit at Iowa State, producing significant NFL talent, including two receivers who were drafted this year after surpassing 1,000 yards in a season. - Ryan Clanton – Offensive Line Coach
Since joining Iowa State, Clanton’s impact has been significant. The team’s rushing attack has shown consistent improvement in national rankings, highlighted by the recent draft of Jalen Travis. - Colby Kratch – Linebackers Coach
With a history of working alongside Campbell, Kratch would fit well into the coaching transition. However, the presence of Dan Connor complicates the situation for the linebacker position. - Hank Poteat – Cornerbacks Coach
Poteat, a Harrisburg native and former standout, coached cornerbacks with notable success, including a No. 1 national finish in 2024. His position could face competition due to the retention of Terry Smith. - Greg Brabenec – Chief of Staff
Having worked with Campbell since 2014, Brabenec plays a crucial role in operations, overseeing administrative tasks and communication within the athletic department.
As Matt Campbell prepares for his new role, the choices he makes with his staff will significantly impact the program’s future. The integration of familiar faces from Iowa State could provide stability and continuity in the transition to Penn State.
