Penn State finalizing agreement with Iowa State's Matt Campbell to be next head coach

Justin Guerriero TribLive Fri, Dec 5, 2025 • 01:15 PM

Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell looks to the scoreboard during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 38-14. (AP)

Penn State appears to have a new coach to lead its football program.

After a 54-day search, Iowa State’s Matt Campbell and Penn State officials are finalizing a deal for him to become the Nittany Lions’ head coach, according to several national reports.

Breaking: Matt Campbell and Penn State are working toward a deal for him to become the next head coach for the Nittany Lions, sources told @PeteThamel.

There are multiple steps needed to finalize, including agreeing to terms and formal approval of compensation.

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— ESPN (@espn) December 5, 2025

He replaces James Franklin, who was relieved of his duties Oct. 12 after three straight losses. Franklin has since accepted the same position at Virginia Tech.

Campbell, 46, a three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year, led Iowa State to an 8-4 record this season and has a 72-55 record over 10 seasons with the Cyclones.

He previously had a four-year record of 35-15 at Toledo.