US EditionPenn State finalizing deal to hire Matt Campbell as head football coach, ESPN reports
Matt Campbell, Iowa State's all-time wins leader, is expected to become Penn State's next head coach amid a search to stabilize the program after James Franklin's firing.
- Yesterday, ESPN's Pete Thamel said Penn State Nittany Lions football program is reportedly finalizing a deal to hire Matt Campbell, Iowa State head coach, with talks progressing over the last 24 hours.
- Penn State fired James Franklin, its head coach, on Oct. 12, and the prolonged search saw many top targets accept extensions or stay put, while Penn State players campaigned for interim coach Terry Smith as Pat Kraft conducted the search alone.
- Campbell's ten-year record shows eight winning seasons and Iowa State Cyclones' only 11-win campaign last year, and he has turned down bigger job offers, making his availability notable.
- With the transfer portal opening January 2, 2026, a Campbell hire would inherit Penn State's 2026 recruiting class with only two early pledges and no 2027 commitments.
- Iowa State will need to replace a decade-long coach, and many observers say landing Campbell would salvage Pat Kraft, Penn State athletic director's, rocky search.
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80 Articles
BREAKING: Matt Campbell reportedly in talks to coach at Penn State
Iowa State football Head Coach Matt Campbell was reported to have met with Penn State about a head coach position on Thursday. Due to the dismissal of Penn State football Head Coach James Franklin, the hunt for a new coach has arisen, with Iowa State’s Matt Campbell as a top contender and listed favorite. With the coaching search lasting over 50 days, CBS Sports insider Matt Zenitz reported that Penn State and Campbell talked on Thursday about t…
Associated Press News
Matt Campbell hired as Penn State coach, ending search for James Franklin's successor
Matt Campbell has been hired as Penn State’s football coach. The announcement Friday night marks the end of a long search by the Nittany Lions to find James Franklin's successor.
Report: Penn St. working to finalize deal with Matt Campbell
Penn State's lengthy process to determine its next football coach appears to be nearing an end, with On3.com reporting that the program is working to finalize a deal to hire Iowa State's Matt Campbell.
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