Penn State has faced a turbulent path in securing a new head coach, culminating in the hiring of Matt Campbell from Iowa State—a decision that may have been fortuitously rescued by the hiring process itself.
The Bizarre Journey to Campbell
In October, when Penn State dismissed James Franklin, Matt Rhule was initially seen as the frontrunner. However, many, including myself, considered Campbell a more suitable candidate due to his impressive track record at Iowa State. After enduring a tumultuous search, Penn State ultimately made the right choice by pursuing Campbell.
Hiring Overview:
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Campbell is noted for his success at Iowa State, transforming it into a competitive program. His overall record of 72-55 at Iowa State showcases his ability to win consistently despite the challenges.
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At Iowa State, he achieved multiple seasons with eight or more wins, illustrating his knack for developing talent and maximizing resources, even with a roster mainly composed of three-star recruits.
Key Statistics from Campbell’s Tenure at Iowa State
| Season | Overall Record | Big 12 Record | Bowl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3–9 | 2–7 | No bowl game |
| 2017 | 8–5 | 5–4 | Won Liberty Bowl |
| 2018 | 8–5 | 6–3 | Lost Alamo Bowl |
| 2019 | 7–6 | 5–4 | Lost Camping World Bowl |
| 2020 | 9–3 | 8–1 | Won Fiesta Bowl |
| 2021 | 7–6 | 5–4 | Lost Cheez-It Bowl |
| 2022 | 4–8 | 1–8 | No bowl game |
| 2023 | 7–6 | 6–3 | Lost Liberty Bowl |
| 2024 | 11–3 | 7–2 | Won Pop-Tarts Bowl |
| 2025 | 8–4* | 5–4* | Bowl eligible |
| Total | 72–55 | 50–40 | 7 bowl appearances under Campbell |
The Future Seems Bright
The transition to Penn State should enhance Campbell’s recruiting capabilities, given the school’s ability to attract top-tier talents compared to Iowa State. Furthermore, Campbell’s history of adapting to coaching changes within his staff will likely benefit him in this new landscape of college football.
Despite previous speculation about Campbell’s future at Iowa State, the allure of coaching a prestigious program like Penn State may have ultimately swayed him to accept this new challenge.
This journey may have been long and winding, but as the saying goes: all’s well that ends well. Penn State’s athletic department, led by Pat Kraft, has finally landed on the right candidate.
