It looks as if Penn State is finally going to find its head coach. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the university is working on finalizing a deal with Iowa State coach Matt Campbell.
“There are multiple steps needed to finalize, including agreeing to terms and formal approval of compensation,” ESPN reported.
This would at last end the long, painstaking search for the Nittany Lions, who fired longtime coach James Franklin more than 50 days ago and were among the first major programs to begin a coaching hunt. But athletic director Pat Kraft appeared to strike out repeatedly, missing on candidates such as BYU’s Kalani Sitake, Texas A&M’s Mike Elko and Louisville’s Jeff Brohm.
While much of the college football world believes Campbell would be a home-run hire — one that salvages the search and likely saves Kraft’s job — not everyone is fully on board, like Penn State legend and current Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons.
Micah Parsons Prefers Terry Smith as Penn State Coach
Green Bay Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons made his preference clear, telling reporters he wanted interim head coach Terry Smith to be promoted full time, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported.
“If we have any common sense, if they ever want me to come back, they better put Terry there. I’ma be honest with you.”
Smith, 56, went 3-3 after taking over following Franklin’s dismissal. He opened with three straight losses to Iowa, No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana before ending with wins over Michigan State, Nebraska and Rutgers.
A 1991 Penn State graduate, Smith returned to the program in 2014 as cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator under Franklin, later adding assistant head coach to his title in 2016. His only coordinator experience came at the high school level.
While it’s understandable why Parsons wants Smith — longevity, loyalty and continuity — Kraft and the Nittany Lions fan base are likely looking for someone with a broader track record. Smith is reportedly drawing interest from UConn and Memphis for their head-coaching vacancies.
Why Matt Campbell Would Work at Penn State
Campbell has spent 10 seasons at Iowa State and has widely been considered one of college football’s top program-builders. He has drawn serious interest from multiple major jobs over the years, including USC and the New York Jets, but never made the leap.
Counting his time at Toledo, Campbell owns a 177-107 career record with two top-15 finishes, one top-10 finish and a 5-5 bowl record.
Campbell has earned a reputation as a coach who “does more with less,” consistently elevating a program not built to win big. At Penn State, he would have far greater resources and access to talent than at any previous stop, along with a fan base desperate for stability and direction.
While it’s important to acknowledge legends like Parsons who passionately advocate for their alma mater, Penn State has a much bigger picture to consider. Smith could still remain on staff if Campbell chooses — but securing a proven winner to lead a program coming off a disastrous season will go much further in stabilizing the Nittany Lions’ future.
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