Iowa
Matt Campbell on Bears’ radar. What to know about the ISU coach, his contract extension
Iowa State football: Matt Campbell on 11-win season, program growth
Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell on 11-win season, program growth over the years.
The Cyclones’ head coach football Matt Campbell is expected to take an interview with the Chicago Bears nearly a month after agreeing to a contract extension with Iowa State University.
Both The Athletic and the Chicago Tribune reported that Campbell is among various coaches in talks for the vacant position. The Bears look to interview Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks, former Stanford coach David Shaw and more, according to ESPN.
Who is Matt Campbell?
Campbell has served as Iowa State’s head football coach since the 2016 season. Before coming to Ames, Campbell served as the head coach of Toledo Rockets in Ohio. He is the third-longest tenured coach in Iowa State’s history.
Iowa State saw a historic season in 2024, making it to the team’s seventh bowl game since Campbell became head coach. The Cyclones finished 11-3, the program’s first season with double-digit victories.
When did Matt Campbell sign a contract extension with Iowa State?
Campbell signed a contract extension with the Cyclones through 2032 in December.
“Coach Campbell has built a special football program at Iowa State; one that all Cyclone fans can take great pride in,” university president Wendy Wintersteen said in a statement. “His continued commitment to both academic and athletic excellence, combined with his strong character and integrity, make him the ideal individual to lead Iowa State’s football program. He is very deserving of this new contract.”
What’s Matt Campbell’s record at Iowa State?
Campbell has a 64-51 record and is the all-time coaching wins leader at Iowa State.
He is 99-66 in 14 years as a FBS head coach.
Where is Matt Campbell from?
Campbell was born in Massillon, Ohio, according to ESPN. He graduated from Mount Union in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in history. Campbell and his wife, Erica, have four children, according to Iowa State.
Has Matt Campbell interviewed for the NFL before?
Reports from 2021 said that Campbell turned down an 8-year, $68.5 million deal to become the Detroit Lions’ head coach. That job ultimately went to Dan Campbell, who has turned the team into the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the first time in franchise history.
Back in 2019 six NFL teams reached out to Campbell, a source told the Register. It’s not clear if he actually accepted any interviews.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.