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Matt Campbell Hired as Penn State's New Head Coach

12/6/2025

30 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Matt Campbell, former Iowa State head coach, was hired by Penn State as its new head coach after a 54-day search following James Franklin's dismissal.
He posted a 72-55 record over ten seasons with eight winning campaigns.
Campbell inherits a fragile Penn State roster with only two early-signing-period recruits and potential turnover.
The eight-year contract awaits board approval, and he aims to stabilize the program via the transfer portal.

History

Historical Context

The Penn State Nittany Lions football program faced a significant crisis in 2012 due to a child sex abuse scandal, resulting in the dismissal of long-time coach Joe Paterno and a four-year NCAA bowl ban. This turmoil affected recruitment and team performance, leading to Matt Campbell's hiring in 2026 as he seeks to rebuild a roster that has struggled to recover from the scandal's impact.

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Story summary

Matt Campbell, former Iowa State head coach, was hired by Penn State as its new head coach after a 54-day search following James Franklin's dismissal.
He posted a 72-55 record over ten seasons with eight winning campaigns.
Campbell inherits a fragile Penn State roster with only two early-signing-period recruits and potential turnover.
The eight-year contract awaits board approval, and he aims to stabilize the program via the transfer portal.

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