Matt Campbell, Penn State Agree to HC Contract, Everything You Need to Know

Penn State has found its next head coach.

The Nittany Lions hired Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell as their new head coach following James Franklin's firing in October, the school announced on Friday.

Campbell officially arrived to Happy Valley to be introduced on Monday:

Patrick Kraft, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Penn State, said in a statement:

"I'm thrilled to share with the Penn State community that we have reached an agreement with Matt Campbell to have him serve as the 17th head football coach at Penn State. We look forward to officially welcoming Coach Campbell and his family to Penn State on Monday pending the approval of terms by the Board of Trustees' Equity and Human Resources Committee consistent with the bylaws, which require advance notice of meetings.  

"Coach Campbell is, without a doubt, the right leader at the right time for Penn State Football. 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 received an eight-year deal from Penn State, via ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Penn State is also retaining interim head coach Terry Smith on Campbell's staff, per Jordan Schultz.

Campbell has served as the Cyclones' head coach since 2016, leading them to a record of 72-55 in 10 seasons with the program. Iowa State has particularly excelled in recent years, owning an impressive 8-4 record in 2025 after wrapping up an 11-3 finish in 2024.

Campbell has received three Big 12 Coach of the Year awards, with his latest recognition occurring in 2020.

Prior to his tenure with the Cyclones, he served as head coach of Toledo from 2011-15. Campbell helped the Rockets post a 35-15 record, making three bowl game appearances.

While Penn State is coming off a rough 6-6 season, expectations will be high for Campbell, just as they are for any coach who steps foot in Happy Valley. He'll look to meet those expectations and get the Nittany Lions back to the top of the college football world.