UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – It’s official. Penn State has a new football coach.
Monday morning, the Penn State Board of Trustees’ Equity and Human Resources Committee delivered a unanimous vote in favor of approving the contract for the Nittany Lions new head football coach, Matt Campbell.
"From the start of our search, our mission was to find a proven leader who reflects Penn State’s integrity, toughness, and championship expectations,” said Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft.
“We also sought someone who has a demonstrated record of elite player evaluation and development, as well as the ability to retain top talent and assemble a strong staff. We found all that and more in Matt Campbell. For several years, Matt has been one of the most sought-after coaches for a reason, and we are fortunate that he is now our coach. In our discussions, it is clear that Matt understands and appreciates our storied history, our tradition and our high expectations. We are fired up to welcome Matt and his family to Happy Valley!”
Matt Campbell comes to Penn State after ten-years coaching Iowa State. During his time coaching the Cyclones, Campbell became the winningest coach in the history of the Iowa State football.
A three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year (2017, 2018, 2020), Campbell led ISU to its only two Top 15 AP Poll finishes ever and coached 18 Cyclone All-Americans. In his coaching career, which also includes stops at Toledo, Bowling Green and Mount Union, he has tutored 39 players who went on to play in the NFL. Campbell is the only coach in Iowa State history to post five-straight winning seasons (2017-21) and owns eight of ISU’s nine winning conference seasons in the Big 12 era.
In addition to Campbell’s achievements on the sideline, members of the Penn State Board of Trustees were quick to point out other strengths they believe the new coach brings to Happy Valley.
“Matt Campbell embodies the values that define Penn State: integrity, excellence, strength of character and a commitment to student success,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “He is a proven builder of strong cultures, a developer of elite student-athletes, and an inspiring presence both on and off the field. His dedication to leading young people and his unwavering competitive drive make him the right choice to lead our football program into its next chapter. We are proud to welcome Coach Campbell into the Penn State family and know he will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes and community. I want to thank and congratulate Pat Kraft on bringing this search to a successful conclusion. I know we both look forward to seeing the new heights Coach Campbell can achieve for Penn State Football."
In a statement, Coach Campbell said, “I am incredibly honored to join Penn State University as its next head football coach. This is one of the blue bloods of college football, and this program’s history and tradition are unmatched. I look forward to building on that foundation by developing student-athletes on and off the field, competing for championships and continuing the legacy of excellence that defines Penn State."
An introductory press conference will take place Monday at noon in State College, Pa.
HEAD COACHING RECORD
Year School Record Postseason
2011 Toledo 1-0 Military: Beat Air Force, 42-41
2012 Toledo 9-4 Famous Idaho Potato: Lost to Utah State, 41-15
2013 Toledo 7-5
2014 Toledo 9-4 GoDaddy: Beat Arkansas State, 63-44
2015 Toledo 9-2 Boca Raton: Beat Temple, 32-17 [did not coach bowl game]
2016 Iowa State 3-9
2017 Iowa State 8-5 AutoZone Liberty: Beat Memphis, 21-20
2018 Iowa State 8-5 Valero Alamo: Lost to Washington State, 28-26
2019 Iowa State 7-6 Camping World: Lost to Notre Dame, 33-9
2020 Iowa State 9-3 PlayStation Fiesta: Beat Oregon, 34-17
2021 Iowa State 7-6 Cheez-It: Lost to Clemson, 20-13
2022 Iowa State 4-8
2023 Iowa State 7-6 AutoZone Liberty: Lost to Memphis, 36-26
2024 Iowa State 11-3 Pop-Tarts: Beat Miami, 42-41
2025 Iowa State 8-4 Bowl Eligible
Career 107-70 Postseason Record: 6-5
THE CAMPBELL FILE
Personal
Year at Penn State: 1st
Hometown: Massillon, Ohio
Education: Mount Union, 2002 - B.A. History
Family: Wife: Erica; Daughters: Katie, Izzy; Sons: Rudy, Rocco
Coaching Career
2026-present: Penn State [Head Coach]
2016-25: Iowa State [Head Coach]
2012-15: Toledo [Head Coach]
2010-11: Toledo [Offensive Coordinator]
2009: Toledo [Run Game Coordinator]
2007-08: Bowling Green [Assistant Coach]
2005-06: Mount Union [Offensive Coordinator]
2003-04: Bowling Green [Graduate Assistant]
Playing Experience
1999-2002: Mount Union