Penn State has been searching for James Franklin’s replacement since October. Is Matt Campbell next? Ron Jenkins / Getty Images
By The Athletic College Football Staff
Dec. 4, 2025Updated 8:34 pm EST
By Ralph D. Russo, Bruce Feldman and Chris Vannini
Penn State’s ever-winding coaching search has now turned its focus to Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, people briefed on the situation told The Athletic. Penn State and Campbell’s camp have been in conversation on Thursday.
Campbell has spent the past decade at Iowa State, posting a 72-55 record with two appearances in the Big 12 Championship Game. His 2024 team won a school-record 11 games, and the 2020 team went 8-0 in conference play, the first time ISU finished atop its conference standings since 1912.
The Ohio native, who graduated from Division III power Mount Union, spent one season of his playing career at Pitt and the next 17 years in the state of Ohio, including 2012-15 as Toledo’s head coach.
Penn State’s search to replace James Franklin, now 53 days long, has missed on several targets, including BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, who on Tuesday opted to remain at his alma mater. Louisville’s Jeff Brohm also decided to stay at his alma mater, according to sources briefed on the talks. Other names in the mix this week included former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who has the support of the Pegula family that owns the Buffalo Bills and are big Penn State donors. Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees have also been in the mix, and interim head coach Terry Smith has gotten support from current and former players.
Campbell has been involved in many coaching searches over the years. He received interest from the New York Jets that he declined, and he was a finalist for the USC job that went to Lincoln Riley.
This story will be updated.
Dec 5, 2025
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