Iowa State Athletic Director Emotional as Matt Campbell Departs for Penn State
AMES, Iowa — Iowa State University’s athletic director Jamie Pollard fought back tears Friday as he addressed the departure of Matt Campbell, the Cyclones’ head football coach for the past 10 seasons, who accepted the head coaching position at Penn State. Campbell’s move marks the end of a significant era for Iowa State football, where he became the winningest coach in the program’s history.
Pollard, 60, expressed both sadness and understanding during a press conference, acknowledging the difficult nature of coaching careers and the sacrifices involved. “You’re sad. But, you know what, I get it,” Pollard said. “I’ve done this long enough. These jobs are hard, and we make sacrifices that fans will never understand. We do. And he’s had an amazing run as our football coach, and didn’t get to do it in front of his family and friends. He had other times he could have left, and he chose not to.”
Campbell’s tenure at Iowa State was marked by unprecedented success. Over 10 seasons, he compiled a 72-55 record, including eight winning seasons and two appearances in the Big 12 championship game. His achievements earned him the Big 12 Coach of the Year award three times, solidifying his legacy as a transformative figure in Cyclones football history. Prior to Iowa State, Campbell served as head coach at Toledo, where he posted a 35-15 record over five seasons.
“Matt Campbell, though, owes Iowa State nothing because he did more than we could’ve ever, ever dreamed he would do as our head coach,” Pollard added. “So, yeah, a page turns. But none of us are here forever. Life goes on, and so that’s how I just viewed it. … The sun will come up in the east, like it does every morning, and we’ll go on.”
Penn State officially announced Campbell as their new head coach on Friday, pending approval from their board of trustees scheduled for Monday. The Nittany Lions made the move after parting ways with James Franklin nearly two months ago, signaling a new chapter for their football program. Campbell, 46, is expected to bring his proven leadership and competitive edge to Penn State’s storied program.
For more on college football coaching changes and NCAA updates, visit the NCAA official website. Details on Penn State’s athletic leadership and governance can be found at the Penn State University official site. Iowa State University’s athletics department maintains current information on their sports programs and administration at cyclones.com. For broader coverage of college sports and coaching careers, the NCAA Football News offers comprehensive reporting.
As Iowa State prepares to move forward without Campbell, Pollard’s heartfelt remarks underscore the deep impact the coach had on the university and its community. Fans and players alike reflect on a decade of growth, resilience, and memorable victories. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Campbell as he embarks on his next challenge leading Penn State football.
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