Iowa State Appoints Washington State’s Jimmy Rogers as New Coach
In a significant move for the Cyclones, Iowa State University has appointed Jimmy Rogers as its new head football coach. This decision comes swiftly after former coach Matt Campbell accepted an eight-year contract to lead Penn State.
Jimmy Rogers Takes the Helm at Iowa State
The announcement, made by Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard on Friday, confirms that Rogers has signed a six-year deal. Rogers, who recently concluded his first season at Washington State with a 6-6 record, is known for his impressive history as a head coach.
A History of Success
At just 38 years old, Rogers boasts a commendable 33-9 record over his three years as a head coach. Before his time at Washington State, he spent 12 successful years at South Dakota State. During that period, he led the Jackrabbits to notable achievements, including:
- Winning the FCS National Championship in 2023
- Finishing with an unbeaten 15-0 record in his inaugural season as head coach
- Securing a No. 3 ranking in 2024 and reaching the FCS playoff semifinals with a 12-3 record
Rogers originally joined South Dakota State as a defensive coordinator, helping the team secure an FCS title in 2022 and reaching the championship game again in 2020.
Strong Community Ties
Pollard expressed confidence in Rogers, noting his strong ties to the Midwest as both a player and coach. He described Rogers as a rising star in college athletics, highlighting their past interactions. Rogers has long shown interest in the Iowa State football program, indicating his aspirations during their first meeting.
In his statement, Rogers conveyed enthusiasm about joining the Iowa State community. He acknowledged the program’s recent successes and expressed a commitment to continuing its forward momentum.
Louisiana State’s Recent Performance and Legacy
Under Campbell, who is Iowa State’s most successful coach with 72 wins, the Cyclones achieved a culture of consistent performance. Campbell led the team to eight winning seasons and two Big 12 championship game appearances during his tenure. This past season, Iowa State finished with an 8-4 record and awaits its bowl selection.
As the Cyclones transition to a new era with Jimmy Rogers, supporters are optimistic about the future of Iowa State football. The focus will be on leveraging Rogers’ coaching experience to build upon the solid foundation laid by Campbell.
