Matt Campbell named coach at Iowa State
Another Saturday coaching report became official on Sunday as Iowa State announced the hiring of Toledo's Matt Campbell.
Campbell succeeds Paul Rhoads as the Cyclones coach. Toledo beat the Cyclones in Week 2 in 2015.
“I couldn’t be more excited to receive the opportunity to coach at Iowa State,” Campbell said in a team statement. “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.”
Toledo finished the 2015 regular season 9-2. The Rockets were in line to go to the MAC Championship Game but saw the opportunity slip away with a loss to Western Michigan on Friday.
Iowa State finished the season 3-9 after a 30-6 loss to West Virginia on Saturday. The Cyclones had conference wins over Texas and Kansas, the first winless Power Five conference team since 2008. Rhoads' dismissal was announced after the Cyclones blew a 35-14 lead to Kansas State and fell 38-35 to the Wildcats.
“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. “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 is 35-15 in his four seasons at Toledo. He turned 35 on Sunday.
For more Iowa State news, visit CycloneReport.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
