Penn State is on the verge of hiring Matt Campbell, the head coach from Iowa State, on an eight-year contract. This development marks the dawn of a new era for Penn State football, with Campbell poised to take the reins as the Nittany Lions’ next leader.
After a 54-day search process, Penn State confirmed that Campbell will assume the role, according to a source familiar with the talks. The agreement spans eight years, signaling the program’s long-term commitment to Campbell’s leadership.
Campbell’s track record at Iowa State spans a decade, during which he posted a 72-55 overall record and secured five seasons with eight or more wins. The Cyclones have achieved at least eight victories in only ten seasons since 1907, underscoring the difficulty—yet Campbell’s tenure included an 8-4 finish this season.
Before moving to Iowa State, Campbell spent just over four seasons at Toledo, where he went 35-15 and notched nine-win campaigns on three occasions. He earned the top job at Toledo after serving as offensive coordinator in 2010 and 2011, demonstrating a steady ascent through the program.
The Penn State hire follows a process that began on October 12, when the program dismissed former head coach James Franklin after more than 11 years at the helm. Franklin’s tenure with the Nittany Lions included a 104-45 record, a College Football Playoff appearance, and a Big Ten title.
Penn State’s coaching search featured several twists, including an early pursuit of BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, who ultimately remained with his program, along with other candidates who exited the process. The path to Campbell’s selection involved multiple key turns and considerations.
This report was originally published on December 5, 2025, at 6:53 PM.
Jon Sauber covers Penn State football and men’s basketball for the Centre Daily Times. He holds a B.A. in digital and print journalism from Penn State and an M.A. in sports journalism from IUPUI. His career also includes roles with The Indianapolis Star, the NCAA, and Rivals.
