Penn State coaching search rumors: Attention turns to Matt Campbell

Penn State coaching search rumors: Attention turns to Matt CampbellStory byPenn State coaching search rumors: Attention turns to Matt CampbellAustin Curtright, USA TODAY NETWORKFri, December 5, 2025 at 1:54 AM UTC·2 min read

Iowa State coach Matt Campbell is the new focus of Penn State's coaching search, according to multiple reports.

ESPN reported that Penn State initiated contact with Campbell on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

The Nittany Lions are the last program in major college football with a head coach vacancy, as they've struck out on numerous targets. Many rumored options for Penn State have signed extensions this season, with BYU's Kalani Sitake the latest. Louisville's Jeff Brohm also reportedly turned down Penn State.

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REQUIRED READING: Brian Daboll an option after Jeff Brohm, Kalane Sitake say no

Penn State signed just two players on the first day of the early signing period due to the current coaching situation.

Campbell, while seemingly one of Penn State's backup options, has an impressive resume. The 46-year-old is a three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and the winningest coach in Iowa State history. He also led the Cyclones to an 11-win season in 2024 and a No. 9 finish in the US LBM Coaches Poll in 2020.

Campbell has also developed numerous high-end NFL players, like quarterback Brock Purdy, running backs Breece Hall and David Mongomery and edge rusher Will McDonald IV, to name a few. Fifteen Iowa State players were on 53-man rosters to start the 2025 season, which was third-most among all Big 12 teams.

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Iowa State won eight combined games in the three seasons before Campbell's arrival from Toledo, where he had a 35-15 record in four seasons as head coach. Campbell is 72-55 overall at Iowa State, choreographing a solid turnaround at a program that has a 571-668-46 record all-time.

Campbell is the 47th highest-paid coach in college football making $5 million annually, according to USA TODAY Sports' head coaches salaries database.

Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as its next head coach. Franklin was fired earlier this season at Penn State. He replaces Brent Pry, who was fired midseason by the Hokies.Oklahoma State hired Eric Morris from North Texas to be the Cowboys next head coach. Morris replaces longtime OSU coach Mike Gundy, who was fired earlier this season.Colorado State hired Jim Mora Jr. as its new head coach. Mora led UConn to back-to-back nine-win seasons and replaces Jay Norvell, who was fired midseason.Oregon State hired Alabama co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard as its head coach, replacing Trent Bray who was fired after an 0-7 start this season.1 / 4

These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home

Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as its next head coach. Franklin was fired earlier this season at Penn State. He replaces Brent Pry, who was fired midseason by the Hokies.1 / 4

These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home

Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as its next head coach. Franklin was fired earlier this season at Penn State. He replaces Brent Pry, who was fired midseason by the Hokies.2 / 4

These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home

Oklahoma State hired Eric Morris from North Texas to be the Cowboys next head coach. Morris replaces longtime OSU coach Mike Gundy, who was fired earlier this season.3 / 4

These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home

Colorado State hired Jim Mora Jr. as its new head coach. Mora led UConn to back-to-back nine-win seasons and replaces Jay Norvell, who was fired midseason.4 / 4

These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home

Oregon State hired Alabama co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard as its head coach, replacing Trent Bray who was fired after an 0-7 start this season.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Penn State coaching search rumors focus on Iowa State's Matt Campbell

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