Penn State is getting closer to appointing Matt Campbell as their next head coach following a turbulent search. It has been difficult to choose Penn State’s next head football coach. It might be a stretch to call it “chaotic.” Following James Franklin’s dismissal by the Nittany Lions earlier this season, the program began a wide search that has alternated between candidates, often with little clarity and a lot of speculation. But after weeks of uncertainty, it appears that Penn State is finally concentrating on the man they want to lead the program into its next phase.
According to a report by Pete Nakos of On3, Penn State is nearing an agreement to hire Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell. The deal hasn’t been completed yet, but its momentum has been rapidly increasing, especially over the last day. Additionally, when multiple indicators point in the same direction, it usually means that something is going to break. It seems like one of those times. Campbell’s name has been brought up in coaching rumors for years, especially after he turned Iowa State into a consistently successful Big 12 program. It seemed inevitable that a big program would push hard for him, and Penn State, which is at a pivotal point after the Franklin era, might finally be the school to do so.
He became a popular target for Power Five programs as a result of his success. In an attempt to revitalize a program that had previously struggled to stay relevant in the Big 12, Iowa State brought him to Ames in 2016. Not only did Campbell revitalize it, but he transformed it. He amassed a 72-55 record and guided Iowa State to seven bowl games during his nearly ten years with the Cyclones; an eighth is currently pending following this season’s 8-4 campaign.
Those characters tell part of the story, but not all of it. Campbell made Iowa State a dangerous foe. The Cyclones were known for their toughness, discipline, and willingness to fight for every inch. They usually didn’t have many five-star recruits and weren’t the biggest or most conspicuous. They were, nevertheless, competitive, well-prepared, and well-coached qualities that usually translate well to major programs.
Penn State’s interest in Campbell makes sense from that angle. The Nittany Lions need stability after a challenging time. They need a culture-builder. Someone who can maximize talent, develop players, and strengthen the program’s competitive edge is what they need. They need stable, modern, and adaptable leadership.
All of those criteria are met by Campbell, and he has done so long enough for his resume to be credible beyond a single successful year or short season. Furthermore, despite the fact that nothing is official yet, all signs point to Penn State feeling confident enough to move this deal closer to completion. Although it appears that the coaching search is coming to an end, one phone call or one unexpected candidate has the power to completely turn everything around.
Penn State supporters have been waiting for an explanation. Perhaps they’re starting to understand. If the deal is signed, it would be one of the most intriguing coaching choices of the offseason. If Matt Campbell were to join Happy Valley, there would be a lot of excitement and serious consequences for Iowa State, the Big 12, and even the greater coaching carousel. But for now, Campbell continues to evaluate, Penn State continues to push, and the college football community closely monitors the situation. It appears that the search is nearing its conclusion. For a program eager to advance, that might be the best news of all.
