AMES, Iowa (KCRG-TV9) - Iowa State football head coach Matt Campbell had been widely rumored as a candidate for other schools but now appears to be staying in Ames.
The Cyclones announced it reached a deal with Campbell on a 6-year extension. It immediately raises his pay from $2.1 million a year to $3.5 million, plus $1 million in increases for his coaching staff.
The move follows a surprising season from Campbell and the Cyclones. Iowa State finished 7-5, including two wins against top 5 opponents (Okalhioma and TCU), spent time in the top 25 rankings and will likely head to their first bowl game since 2012.
"I want to thank Jamie (Pollard) for respecting my desire to hold off these conversations until our regular season ended and also for being proactive in supporting the needs of my staff and team as we build a legacy at Iowa State University," Campbell said. "The commitment that he and Iowa State have made to us – including some exciting facility enhancements on the horizon – has been critical to my vision for our team going forward."
Campbell had been widely considered a hot coaching candidate for openings at other schools because of the Cyclones' success this season.