Nov 10, 2015; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets head coach Matt Campbell yells at a player during the first quarter against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Campbell is leaving Toledo to become Iowa State’s next football coach, the school announced Sunday.
Campbell will replace Paul Rhoads, who posted a 32-55 record in seven seasons with the Cyclones. Iowa State finished with a 3-9 record this season after a 30-6 loss to West Virginia on Saturday.
“I couldn’t be more excited to receive the opportunity to coach at Iowa State,” Campbell said in a statement released by Iowa State. “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.”
The 36-year-old Campbell wrapped up his fourth year at Toledo, where he had a 35-15 record and his teams finished 24-8 in the Mid-American Conference.
“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 athletic director Jamie Pollard said in a statement. “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 replaced Tim Beckman, who was hired by Illinois, as Rockets coach in 2011.
Campbell accepted the job at Iowa State despite an offer of more than $800,000 to stay with the Rockets that would have made him the highest-paid coach in the Mid-American Conference, according to the Toledo Blade.
Campbell made $495,000 this season. Iowa State reportedly will pay a $200,000 buyout to land Campbell.
“We think very highly of Matt Campbell and have made him a very generous offer to keep him as our head football coach,” Toledo athletic director Mike O’Brien said Saturday.
