Penn State Officially Hires Matt Campbell as New Head Football Coach

After an extended search, Penn State lands longtime Iowa State leader with major NIL support and staff resources

Penn State University had officially named Matt Campbell as head football coach, the university announced on Friday night. The move comes nearly two months after firing former coach James Franklin and an extensive search that saw multiple candidates reportedly turn down the school.

Campbell arrives after nine seasons at Iowa State, where he stabilized the Cyclones program and earned a reputation for player development, discipline and maximizing talent. He posted five winning seasons, highlighted by a Fiesta Bowl berth and multiple top-25 finishes. His ability to build successful teams without blue-chip recruiting classes has long made him an intriguing candidate for major programs.

Now, according to multiple reports, Campbell will arrive with a significant financial war chest, including as much as $30 million in NIL resources to retain and attract players, along with approximately $17 million earmarked for assembling his coaching staff. That staff will include interim head coach Terry Smith, who will remain on as an assistant coach.

Athletic Director Pat Kraft emphasized that Campbell’s arrival represents more than just a coaching change, calling him “without a doubt, the right leader at the right time for Penn State Football.” Kraft added: “He is a stellar coach with a proven track record of success and his values, character and approach to leading student-athletes to success on and off the field align perfectly with the traditions and values of Penn State.”

Campbell is expected to be in Happy Valley on Saturday to be introduced to the media.