Overview
- ESPN’s deep dive reports an industry insider portrayed Matt Campbell as weak in transfer-portal work, which cooled Penn State’s early interest.
- An associate connected Campbell and Pat Kraft, and the AD said the call convinced him Campbell was the right fit.
- Penn State and Campbell reached terms on Dec. 5 on an eight-year deal reported at $70.5 million.
- The search had leaned toward BYU’s Kalani Sitake until BYU finalized a long-term agreement with him on Dec. 2, according to the reporting.
- Interim coach Terry Smith was a serious candidate but lacked the FBS head-coaching experience the school wanted; he is staying on staff with a deal around $2 million annually reported as the top rate for a non-coordinator.