Penn State Hires Matt Campbell: A New Era for Nittany Lions Football
Penn State University has officially named Iowa State's Matt Campbell as its new head football coach, signing him to an eight-year deal. Campbell, the winningest coach in Cyclones history and a three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year, brings a proven track record of program building and player development to Happy Valley. This move follows the October firing of longtime coach James Franklin and marks a significant shift for a Penn State program that entered the 2025 season with national championship aspirations. Campbell's Midwest roots and success at Iowa State position him to lead the Nittany Lions into a new competitive chapter.
In a major move for one of college football's most storied programs, Penn State University announced on Friday the hiring of Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell. The Nittany Lions have secured Campbell with an eight-year deal, pending final approval from the school's board of trustees compensation committee. This decision concludes a search that began after the October firing of James Franklin and signals a clear direction for the future of Penn State football.
The Coaching Search and Decision
Penn State's pursuit of a new leader intensified after BYU coach Kalani Sitake agreed to a long-term extension earlier in the week, effectively removing him from consideration. The university then shifted its full focus to Campbell, who met with Penn State officials on Thursday night before finalizing the agreement on Friday. Patrick Kraft, Penn State's Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, expressed strong confidence in the hire, stating in an official release that Campbell is "the right leader at the right time" whose values and character align perfectly with the university's traditions.
Matt Campbell's Coaching Legacy
Campbell leaves Iowa State as the winningest coach in the program's history, having compiled a 72-55 record over ten seasons. His tenure transformed a Cyclones program that hadn't experienced a winning season since 2009 prior to his arrival. Under his leadership, Iowa State achieved eight winning seasons, made two appearances in the Big 12 championship game, and secured a landmark Fiesta Bowl victory over Oregon in 2020, resulting in the school's first-ever top-10 finish.
Player Development and NFL Pipeline
A hallmark of Campbell's coaching philosophy is elite player development. During his seven most recent years at Iowa State, his staff developed 15 NFL draft picks. This list includes notable stars such as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, along with running backs Breece Hall and David Montgomery. Defensive end Will McDonald IV made history under Campbell's watch, becoming the first Cyclone selected in the first round of the NFL draft since 1973.
The Challenge at Penn State
Campbell inherits a Penn State program with immense expectations. The Nittany Lions were ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP Top 25 for the 2025 season and were widely viewed as national championship contenders after reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals the previous year. However, the season unraveled with a three-game losing streak to open Big Ten play, leading to Franklin's dismissal at 3-3. Interim coach Terry Smith steadied the ship, winning the final three conference games to achieve bowl eligibility at 6-6. Smith has agreed to remain on staff under Campbell, providing valuable continuity.
Looking Ahead
Matt Campbell brings strong Midwest ties to State College as a native of Massillon, Ohio. His proven ability to build a competitive program in a Power Five conference, coupled with his reputation for integrity and player development, makes him a compelling choice to lead Penn State. The eight-year commitment from the university provides the stability needed to recruit and install his system. For a fanbase yearning to return to the sport's pinnacle, the hiring of Matt Campbell represents a bold and hopeful step into a new era of Nittany Lions football.
