2026 staff tracker
Matt Campbell is Penn State's head football coach for 2026, with coordinator and position-coach roles tracked as a public-source staff reference.
Penn State's head football coach for the 2026 season is Matt Campbell. The staff list below shows the coaches responsible for the offense, defense and position groups.
The position assignments also help explain how the new staff is shaping the 2026 roster and depth chart.
2026 staff update
The official staff directory identifies Ikaika Malloe as defensive line coach/run game coordinator. Justin Lustig is in his third Penn State season in 2026, according to his updated biography and the season-opening game notes. July Media Day remarks below reflect the staff at that point in preseason.
July 2026 checkpoint
Big Ten Media Day did not change Penn State's published staff list, but it added useful role context. Matt Campbell emphasized the importance of defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn and associate head coach Terry Smith, while Tony Rojas described Lynn's approach as adapting the defense to player strengths.
Anthony Donkoh also highlighted offensive line coach Ryan Clanton's consistency and development work. These comments support the current role map without turning preseason interviews into claims about scheme success or guaranteed depth-chart outcomes.
Head Coach
Head Coach
Joined Penn State staff in 2026
Matt Campbell was named the 17th head coach in Penn State history in December 2025. A three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year at Iowa State, Campbell brings a culture of toughness and development to Happy Valley.
| Coach | Role | Joined | Depth Chart Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Campbell | Head Coach | 2026 | Matt Campbell was named the 17th head coach in Penn State history in December 2025. A three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year at Iowa State, Campbell brings a culture of toughness and development to Happy Valley. |
| Coach | Role | Joined | Depth Chart Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor Mouser | Offensive Coordinator / Tight Ends | 2026 | Taylor Mouser followed Campbell from Iowa State to lead the Nittany Lion offense. Known for his creative use of tight ends and efficient passing concepts, Mouser takes over play-calling duties for 2026. |
| Jake Waters | Quarterbacks Coach | 2026 | Former Kansas State quarterback Jake Waters joins the staff to mentor Rocco Becht and the QB room. He previously worked under Campbell at Iowa State. |
| Kashif Moore | Wide Receivers Coach | 2026 | Officially announced Feb. 24, 2026 after February reporting connected him to the opening. Former NFL player and UConn coach who worked with Biletnikoff finalist Skyler Bell. |
| Savon Huggins | Running Backs Coach | 2026 | Former Rutgers standout Savon Huggins coaches the Penn State running backs. His background gives the staff another assistant with Northeast recruiting ties and player-development experience. |
| Ryan Clanton | Offensive Line Coach | 2026 | Ryan Clanton coaches the offensive line and brings experience developing physical, movement-oriented fronts. |
| Coach | Role | Joined | Depth Chart Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| D'Anton Lynn | Defensive Coordinator | 2026 | D'Anton Lynn arrives from USC, with previous UCLA and Baltimore Ravens experience, to coordinate the Penn State defense. Public reporting points to a system built around versatility and disguised coverages. |
| Ikaika Malloe | Defensive Line / Run Game Coordinator | 2026 | Veteran coach Ikaika Malloe brings decades of experience to the defensive trenches. He emphasizes disruption and gap integrity. |
| Christian Smith | Edge Rushers Coach | 2026 | Christian Smith focuses on the 'Leo' and Edge positions, critical for generating pressure in Lynn's defense. |
| Tyson Veidt | Linebackers Coach | 2026 | Tyson Veidt coaches the linebackers after working with Matt Campbell's defensive staffs for multiple seasons. His profile centers on continuity, teaching, and second-level defensive structure. |
| Terry Smith | Associate Head Coach / Cornerbacks | 2014 | A program pillar, Terry Smith remains to anchor the secondary and provide continuity. His recruiting ties in Pennsylvania are unmatched. |
| Deon Broomfield | Safeties / Pass Game Coordinator | 2026 | Deon Broomfield rounds out the defensive staff, coaching the safeties. He brings NFL playing experience and a focus on ball production. |
| Coach | Role | Joined | Depth Chart Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Lustig | Special Teams Coordinator | 2024 | Justin Lustig is Penn State's special teams coordinator in his third season on the staff in 2026. The current official biography and 2026 Marshall game notes confirm that tenure; the older second-season summary field is not used. |
Coaching assignments follow Penn State's published staff listings. Reported changes appear here once the school announces a new role or the appointment is otherwise confirmed.
This tracker lists Matt Campbell as Penn State football head coach for the 2026 season, with coordinator and position-coach roles organized by public staff information.
Penn State publishes the staff directory and individual coach biographies. Its 2026 Marshall game notes also identify Justin Lustig as entering his third Penn State season.
The staff table lists position assignments alongside coordinator roles, so you can see who works with each unit.
Yes. A new school announcement or updated staff directory can change a coach's listed responsibilities.