The 54-day search is over. Penn State has found its next head football coach.
Athletic Director Pat Kraft announced late Saturday that Matt Campbell, the architect of Iowa State’s historic turnaround, has been named the 17th head coach in the program’s history. Campbell will be officially introduced at a press conference on Monday, December 8.
The Deal Details
Sources confirm that Campbell has agreed to an 8-year contract valued at approximately $80 million, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the Big Ten. The deal also includes a significant commitment to staff salary and NIL resources, areas Campbell reportedly identified as critical during negotiations.
“Matt Campbell is a proven winner and a culture builder,” Kraft said in a statement. “What he accomplished at Iowa State—consistently winning at a place that hadn’t won historically—is remarkable. He aligns perfectly with our values and our vision for championship football.”
Why Campbell?
Campbell, 46, leaves Iowa State as the winningest coach in program history (72-55). He led the Cyclones to eight winning seasons and three bowl victories, consistently punching above his weight class in the Big 12.
Known for his development of talent and disciplined, physical teams, Campbell was a top target from the beginning of the search. While other candidates like Kalani Sitake and Curt Cignetti signed extensions, Penn State remained focused on landing their primary target.
Analysis: The Value Proposition
Why is Penn State investing $80 million? It’s not just about wins; it’s about the quality of wins relative to resources.
- Doing More with Less: At Iowa State, Campbell secured 14 wins against ranked opponents (a school record) with consistently lower-ranked recruiting classes.
- The Translation: The administration is betting that if Campbell can beat Oklahoma and TCU with 3-star talent, he can compete for National Championships with Penn State’s blue-chip roster.
Terry Smith to Remain on Staff
In a crucial move for continuity, it has been confirmed that interim head coach Terry Smith will remain on staff as Associate Head Coach and Cornerbacks Coach. Smith, who stabilized the program with a 3-3 record down the stretch and secured bowl eligibility, will reportedly become the highest-paid non-coordinator assistant in college football.
“I love Penn State,” Smith said. “My goal was to help this team get through a storm, and I’m excited to work with Coach Campbell to bring a championship to Happy Valley.”
What’s Next?
Campbell will hit the ground running immediately, with the Early Signing Period already passed and the transfer portal window opening on Monday. He will observe the team’s bowl preparation but will not coach in the Pinstripe Bowl; Terry Smith will lead the Nittany Lions one final time against Duke at Yankee Stadium.