Iowa State announces Matt Campbell is next head football coach

AMES — Toledo's Matt Campbell is the new head football coach at Iowa State, the school announced Sunday afternoon, a week after Paul Rhoads was fired.

Campbell's contract is for six years with a first-year salary of $2 million. He will meet with the media Monday at noon.

The Toledo Blade was first to report the move Saturday night.

'Matt's coaching and playing achievements are extraordinary, but we were even more impressed by his character, leadership and commitment to his family,' ISU athletic director Jamie Pollard said in a release. 'I could not be more excited to welcome Matt, Erica and their children to the Cyclone Family. We are truly blessed to have one of the industry's rising stars leading our football program.'

Campbell has spent the last four seasons as the Rockets' head coach and is 35-15 overall, including 9-2 this season. Toledo beat Iowa State 30-23 in double overtime on Sept. 19 and has won nine games in three of four seasons under Campbell.

Campbell, who turned 36 on Sunday, has been with the Rockets since 2009 when he started as the run-game coordinator and offensive line coach. He became the offensive coordinator the following season and was the interim coach after Tim Beckman left for Illinois in Toledo's bowl game in 2011 — a win in the Military Bowl.

'I couldn't be more excited to receive the opportunity to coach at Iowa State,' Campbell said in a release. 'Two years ago after we played the Cyclones in Ames, I called my wife (Erica) and said you simply would not believe this place. Their fans, the game-day environment and facilities are all incredible.  I could see us living in Ames and me coaching the Cyclones some day. My family and I are truly humbled.'

Sports Illustrated reported Saturday morning that Campbell had emerged as the front-runner and Iowa State cancelled multiple interviews with other coaching candidates.

Football Scoop reported Missouri was also in the mix for Campbell, but a telephone conversation Campbell had Saturday night with Pollard sealed the deal.

Pollard alleviated any concerns Campbell had or had been fed from other programs. Talk centered on culture & staff & players I'm told.November 29, 2015

Pollard alleviated any concerns Campbell had or had been fed from other programs. Talk centered on culture & staff & players I'm told.

— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop)

Rhoads completed his seventh season Saturday at West Virginia, a 30-6 loss. He finished his ISU tenure 32-55 in seven seasons and was 8-28 the last three years.

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