A big-name coach secured his future with a Big 12 football program by making an unselfish act.
Per Max Olson of ESPN, Matt Campbell agreed to a contract extension with Iowa State that will keep him in Ames through 2032. He took a program-friendly discount to keep a top staff and allocate $1 million in rev-share funds.
"Iowa State and coach Matt Campbell have finalized his extension through 2032," Olson posted on X. "He’ll earn $5 million per year in total compensation.
"The 3x Big 12 Coach of the Year took a discount on the deal to ensure his staff pool increased and allowed ISU to allocate an additional $1 million in rev-share funds for football, sources told ESPN."
Iowa State and coach Matt Campbell have finalized his extension through 2032. He’ll earn $5 million per year in total compensation.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) August 1, 2025
The 3x Big 12 Coach of the Year took a discount on the deal to ensure his staff pool increased and allowed ISU to allocate an additional $1 million… pic.twitter.com/saFP61iksO
Campbell has been linked to big coaching jobs in the recent past, including in the NFL. He met with the Chicago Bears for their head coach opening this winter before they hired Ben Johnson.
Campbell, 45, took over at Iowa State in 2016. He's gone 45-36 with the Cyclones.
Iowa State went 11-3 last season and were one win away from making the College Football Playoff, as they made the Big 12 championship but lost to the Arizona State Sun Devils 45-19.
Keeping Campbell in Ames is a no-brainer for Iowa State. He's helped keep the Cyclones relevant during his nine seasons with the program. Campbell was smart to take a discount, allowing the Cyclones to stay competitive in recruiting.
ISU is the second head coaching gig Campbell has had in college. He went 35-15 during his five seasons at Toledo. He was named MAC Coach of the Year in 2015.
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