Campbell Secures Iowa State Future Through 2032

Cyclones Coach Agrees to Extension Amidst Evolving NIL Landscape

Iowa State and head football coach Matt Campbell have reached a contract extension, ensuring his leadership through the 2032 season. This significant agreement, finalized in December before the Cyclones’ Pop-Tarts Bowl victory, solidifies Campbell’s role as the program’s cornerstone.

Strategic Investment in Football Program

The new deal will see Campbell earn an annual salary of $5 million. Notably, ESPN reported that Campbell accepted a financial “discount,” opting to increase the salary pool available for his coaching staff and allocating an additional $1 million in revenue-sharing to the football program. This move comes as college athletics navigates the post-House v. NCAA settlement era, where schools can distribute up to $20.5 million directly to athletes.

Paving the Way for Athlete Compensation

Campbell himself acknowledged the financial adjustments players made, stating in July that “probably our top 20 guys took a pay cut to come back to Iowa State” relative to potential NIL earnings elsewhere. This sentiment underscores the coach’s commitment to retaining talent and building the program from within, even as the financial dynamics of college sports shift dramatically. As of August 2024, college football programs are rapidly adjusting their financial models to accommodate new NIL regulations, with some projecting significant portions of athletic department budgets being reallocated to player compensation. (Source: Sportico, August 2024).

Performance-Based Incentives and Staff Support

The extension features a robust incentive structure tied to the Cyclones’ on-field success. This includes bonuses for regular-season win totals, starting at $250,000 for seven victories and escalating to $1.5 million for an undefeated 12-0 season. Postseason play is also rewarded, with potential earnings of $100,000 for a Big 12 Championship game appearance and up to $500,000 for winning the conference title. A unique clause allows Campbell to distribute up to $100,000 of his performance incentive earnings annually to his coaching staff, fostering loyalty and team cohesion.

A Legacy of Success in Ames

Since his arrival in 2016, Campbell has amassed a 64-51 overall record at Iowa State, with a 45-36 record in Big 12 play. His tenure has seen the Cyclones make seven bowl appearances and two Big 12 Championship game appearances. The team achieved an 11-3 record last season, a stark contrast to the 4-8 record in 2022. He is a three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and holds the distinction of being the winningest football coach in program history.

“My family and I are extremely grateful for the faith and commitment shown to our program by our President, Dr. Wintersteen, and our Athletics Director, Jamie Pollard. It is an honor to be associated with a great university and community, and I am thankful to work with great leaders, administrators and student-athletes. I look forward to finishing the 2024 season strong while continuing to grow this program and pursuing excellence in the classroom and on the field.”

—Matt Campbell, Head Football Coach, Iowa State University

Commitment to Continuity

Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard emphasized the importance of securing Campbell‘s future amidst the current uncertainty in college athletics. “It has been rewarding to see the amazing impact Coach Campbell, and his staff, have had over the past decade on our University, athletics department, and the young men in our football program,” Pollard stated. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program. Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success. This is a great day for Cyclone fans.”

Campbell, now embarking on his 10th season, is already the third-longest tenured coach in Iowa State history. He has been instrumental in transforming the program, guiding it to consistent winning seasons and a five-year streak of appearances in the AP Top 25 from 2017 to 2021. His leadership has cemented his status as a pivotal figure in the Cyclones’ athletic history.