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12m ago

Penn State Finalizes Matt Campbell Hire as Contract Terms and Early Staff Moves Emerge

Monday’s disclosed deal underscores a significant financial commitment to Campbell’s tenure and program infrastructure.

Nov 8, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell looks on during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Head coach Matt Campbell of the Iowa State Cyclones coaches from the sidelines in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Ames, Iowa. Northern Iowa Panthers won 25-20 over the Iowa State Cyclones (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
Nicholas Singleton #10 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with interim Head Coach Terry Smith after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium on November 22, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Matt Campbell of the Iowa State Cyclones before the match-up against the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 10, 2016 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The Board of Trustees approved Campbell’s contract Monday, making him Penn State’s 17th head coach under an eight-year agreement through 2033 with $70.5 million guaranteed and an $8 million first-year base.
  • Terms include a $1 million annual retention bonus, College Football Playoff-based automatic raises and extensions, mitigation provisions, and liquidated damages starting at $10 million after 2026 and declining over time.
  • Penn State will pay Iowa State a $2 million buyout, and the university specified a binding commitment for Campbell’s staff salary pool and player compensation in the contract release.
  • Separate reporting cites sizable program resources tied to the move, including a potential $30 million roster NIL pool and $17 million for assistant staffers, figures not detailed in the public documents.
  • Staffing has begun to take shape with interim coach Terry Smith retained on a long-term deal and Iowa State personnel chief Derek Hoodjer reported to be joining, with additional reports linking longtime ISU defensive coordinator Jon Heacock to Campbell’s staff.