Matt Campbell will be introduced as the Iowa State Cyclones' new head football coach during a news conference in Ames at noon on Monday (Nov. 30, 2015).

Campbell has spent the past four-plus seasons compiling a 35-15 record at the University of Toledo, which competes in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). He's replacing Paul Rhoads, who was fired by Iowa State last week.

“Matt’s coaching and playing achievements are extraordinary, but we were even more impressed by his character, leadership and commitment to his family,” Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. “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’s championship background came as a player (three Division-III national championships at Mount Union), assistant coach (two bowl wins and two more D-III national titles) and head coach (two bowl victories and two Mid-American Conference division co-championships).

The announcement of Campbell’s hiring as Iowa State's 32nd head coach came on Sunday, his 36th birthday. It confirmed earlier reports that said the search to replace Rhoads was over.

“I couldn’t be more excited to receive the opportunity to coach at Iowa State,” Campbell said. “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.”

Iowa State University President Steven Leath was also impressed.

“Today is a great day for Iowa State University and all of our alums and fans,” Dr. Leath said. “Matt’s prior competitive accomplishments, unwavering commitment to academic success and his relentless pursuit of excellence, all align perfectly with our institution’s strategic vision.”

According to Iowa State officials, Campbell has agreed to a six-year contract with a first-year salary of $2 million. He reportedly was making $425,000 at Toledo. Read more about Campbell below.


The Matt Campbell File:

Campbell compiled a 35-15 record in four-plus seasons as the head coach at Toledo and led the Rockets to three nine-win seasons. He coached Toledo in three bowls and has the team positioned to receive another bowl invite in 2015.

Campbell’s winning percentage (.700) is third-best in school history, trailing only Nick Saban (.818, 1990) and Bill Orwig (.762, 1946-47).

Born in football-crazed Massillon, Ohio, Campbell was recruited to Pittsburgh as a tight end following a stellar prep career at Massillon Perry High School. A year into his career with the Panthers, Campbell gave up his scholarship and transferred to non-scholarship Division-III Mount Union.

Campbell earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Mount Union in 2002.

He and his wife, Erica, have three young children: Kaetlyn, Isabella and Rudy. The couple are expecting their fourth child in February.

Year & Record as Head Coach:
2011 Toledo: 1-0 (Military Bowl Champions)
2012 Toledo: 9-4 (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl)
2013 Toledo: 7-5
2014 Toledo: 9-4 (GoDaddy Bowl Champions)
2015 Toledo: 9-2 (Bowl To Be Announced)

Coaching Experience:
Bowling Green: Graduate Assistant, 2003-04
Mount Union: Offensive Coordinator, 2005-06
Bowling Green: Assistant Coach, 2007-08
Toledo: Run Game Coordinator (2009) & Offensive Coordinator (2010-11)
Toledo: Head Coach (2012-15)

Bowl Games As Coach:
Bowling Green: 2003 Motor City Bowl
Bowling Green: 2004 GMAC Bowl
Bowling Green: 2007 GMAC Bowl
Toledo: 2010 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
Toledo: 2011 Military Bowl
Toledo: 2012 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Toledo: 2015 GoDaddy Bowl (’14 season)

National Championships (Division-III):
Mount Union (player): 2000-2001-2002
Mount Union (offensive coordinator): 2005-2006

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