After a long search and several candidates declining the opportunity, Penn State Football has its next coach. The Nittany Lions hired Iowa State's Matt Campbell.
"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," said PSU Athletic Director Pat Kraft in a statement. "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.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to Coach Terry Smith for stepping up when we needed him the most and for rallying our team to finish this season with three straight wins. Coach Smith bleeds blue and white and pours his entire heart and soul into Penn State Football. I’m deeply grateful for his commitment to our University, and I am excited that he will continue to be a part of this program.
As we start this exciting next chapter for our football program with Coach Campbell at the helm, the future is bright. We will continue to build upon and elevate the high standard that is the hallmark of our program."
Campbell has led the Cyclones to a 72-55 record during is decade at Iowa State.
Prior to Iowa State, Campbell coached Toledo to a 35-15 record over five years.
Penn State reportedly heavily pursued several other candidates and were rejected each time.
“I think they got the best remaining option,” said Donny Football, reacting to the news.