Penn State Nittany Lions’ head coaching search is nearing an end as they are reportedly finalizing terms with Matt Campbell to become their next head coach. Earlier this season, after a 3-3 start, Penn State fired James Franklin and made Terry Smith the interim head coach.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Campbell is working with Penn State on a deal. However, before that happens, the two parties need to agree on terms and obtain formal approval for compensation.
Breaking: Matt Campbell and Penn State are working toward a deal for him to become the next head coach for the Nittany Lions, sources told @PeteThamel.
There are multiple steps needed to finalize, including agreeing to terms and formal approval of compensation.
Get breaking… pic.twitter.com/qHXWN6secJ
— ESPN (@espn) December 5, 2025
Fans reacted to this breaking news, tying Campbell as the next head coach of Penn State.
“downgrade from Iowa State,” one fan commented.
“Penn State still won’t ever win a big game,” another added.
“How is this a step up from James Franklin,” one fan wrote.
“They literally downgraded 😭” another reacted.
“Penn state just got set back 25 years…” another posted.
“Not a horrible hire, but let’s be real… There was no one left on the board for Penn State. 😅” one fan shared honest reaction.
Who Is Penn State’s Next Potential HC, Matt Campbell?
Matt Campbell hails from Massillon, Ohio, and went to the University of Pittsburgh, then transferred to Mount Union Purple Raiders (a Division III program), where he played defensive line from 1999–2002. He earned All-America honors and was twice named Ohio Athletic Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year.
His coaching career started as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green Falcons in 2003. He went back to his alma mater at Mount Union before returning to Bowling Green again. After that, with the Toledo Rockets, he was run game coordinator and then offensive coordinator.
He finally became the head coach of Toledo in December 2011. There, he compiled a 35-15 record over four seasons. During his tenure there, he led the team to back-to-back conference-championship game appearances.
He became the head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones in 2016. He led the program in 2025 as well, but now it appears he is moving to Penn State. He led Iowa State to a 72-55 overall record and 50-40 in the Big 12 conference.
It remains to be seen when he is officially named as Penn State’s head coach.
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