According to Kraft, Coach Campbell is expected to be officially welcomed on Monday, following the committee’s review, which must be publicly noticed in advance under university bylaws.
“Coach Campbell is, without a doubt, the right leader at the right time for Penn State Football,” Kraft said. “He is a stellar coach with a proven track record of success, and his values, character, and approach to leading student-athletes to success on and off the field align perfectly with the traditions and values of Penn State.”
Campbell, nationally regarded for his program-building success and strong player-development philosophy, steps into the role during a transitional moment for the Nittany Lions.
Kraft also expressed heartfelt appreciation for interim head coach Terry Smith, who guided the team to three consecutive victories to close the season.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Coach Terry Smith for stepping up when we needed him the most,” Kraft said. “Coach Smith bleeds blue and white and pours his entire heart and soul into Penn State Football. I am excited that he will continue to be a part of this program.”
As the university prepares to usher in a new era under Campbell’s leadership, Kraft emphasized the program’s continued commitment to excellence.
“As we start this exciting next chapter for our football program with Coach Campbell at the helm, the future is bright,” he said. “We will continue to build upon and elevate the high standard that is the hallmark of our program.”
Matt Campbell began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green (2003–2004) before returning to Mount Union as offensive coordinator, helping guide the program to two Division III national championships. He later spent two seasons back at Bowling Green coaching the offensive line and coordinating the run game.
Campbell joined the University of Toledo in 2009 as run game coordinator, was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2010, and became the program’s head coach in 2011 at age 32—the youngest head coach in the FBS at the time. He compiled a 35–15 record over four seasons, leading Toledo to national rankings and multiple bowl appearances.
In 2015, Campbell was named head coach at Iowa State, where he built the Cyclones into a nationally respected program. His tenure included two Big 12 Coach of the Year awards, historic wins over top-five opponents, the program’s first major bowl appearance and win (2021 Fiesta Bowl), its highest final national ranking, and its first-ever 11-win season in 2024. In 2024, he became the winningest coach in Iowa State history and reached his 100th career victory in 2025.