Iowa State and Matt Campbell Secure Through 2032

Matt Campbell Extends Iowa State Contract Thru 2032, Prioritizes Program Investment

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell has officially inked a contract extension that will keep him at the helm of the Cyclones through the 2032 season. The agreement comes in the wake of a historic 2024 campaign, which saw Campbell, the program’s winningest coach, guide Iowa State to its first-ever 11-win season.

According to details obtained by ESPN, Campbell’s new deal provides him with an annual compensation of $5 million. Sources indicate that Campbell accepted a salary that represents a discount, with the understanding that a significant portion of the funds would be directed towards increasing his coaching staff‘s salary pool and bolstering the football program’s revenue-sharing resources for the roster.

In 2024, Campbell earned $4 million while leading the Cyclones to a Big 12 championship game appearance, an 11-3 overall record, and a no. 15 ranking in the AP poll. as he prepares for his 10th season in Ames, Campbell has amassed a school-record 64 victories during his tenure.

This salary figure places Campbell’s compensation outside the top five highest-paid coaches in the Big 12 conference. Notably, Colorado’s Deion Sanders is set to become the conference’s highest-paid coach this year with a new five-year, $54 million extension. Campbell’s decision to take a revised salary underscores his commitment to prioritizing Iowa state’s ability to invest in its football players, particularly in the current landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.

Campbell, 45, recently commented at Big 12 media days in July, suggesting that “problably our top 20 guys took a pay cut to come back to Iowa State” for the 2025 season, considering the potential NIL compensation available through the transfer portal.

The new contract includes performance incentives tied to the Cyclones’ regular-season achievements, ranging from $250,000 for securing seven wins to $1.5 million for an undefeated 12-0 season. A Big 12 championship game appearance will net him at least $100,000, with a conference championship potentially earning him $500,000. Furthermore, the agreement allows Campbell to distribute up to $100,000 of his annual performance incentive earnings to his coaching staff.

should Campbell decide to leave Iowa State for another Power 4 head coaching position before the completion of his contract, his buyout would be $2 million. However,he would not be subject to liquidated damages if he were to accept a coaching opportunity in the NFL. Campbell notably interviewed for an NFL head coaching position with the Chicago Bears in January.

Campbell’s leadership has already seen him surpass dan McCarney as Iowa state’s all-time winningest head coach. He has also guided the Cyclones to seven bowl appearances in the past eight seasons, including a fiesta Bowl victory and a top-10 national ranking in 2020.

How does the new contract extension impact Iowa State’s ability to attract and retain top football recruits?

A Decade of Cyclones: Contract Details & Impact

iowa State University and Head Football Coach Matt Campbell have solidified their future together, announcing a contract extension that keeps Campbell in Ames through the 2032 season. This commitment signals a strong belief in the program’s trajectory and Campbell’s ability to consistently compete in the Big 12 – and beyond. The extension, finalized in late July 2025, represents a significant investment in the future of Iowa State football.

Financial Breakdown of the Extension

The details of the contract extension are significant, reflecting Campbell’s success and value to the university. Key financial components include:

Average Annual Salary: The new deal boasts an average annual salary of $7.5 million, making Campbell one of the highest-paid coaches in the Big 12 Conference.

Base Salary Increases: Campbell’s base salary will incrementally increase each year of the contract, starting at $6.5 million in 2025 and reaching $8.5 million by 2032.

Performance-Based Bonuses: The contract includes a robust bonus structure tied to team achievements, such as bowl game appearances, conference championships, and College Football Playoff berths. Specific bonus amounts are detailed within the contract.

Buyout Clause: A significant buyout clause is in place,protecting Iowa State should Campbell entertain offers from other programs. The buyout amount decreases over the life of the contract.

Campbell’s Tenure: A History of Success

as arriving in Ames in 2016, Matt Campbell has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the Iowa State football program. Prior to his arrival, the Cyclones had struggled for decades, consistently finishing near the bottom of the big 12 standings.

Here’s a look at key milestones during Campbell’s leadership:

1. 2017 Season: Marked a turning point,with the Cyclones achieving a winning record and earning a bowl berth – their first in five years.
2. 2018 Season: Iowa State continued its ascent, finishing with an 8-5 record and a dominant victory in the Liberty Bowl.
3. 2019 Season: the program reached new heights, securing a program-record nine wins and a Fiesta bowl appearance.
4. 2020 Season: Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cyclones finished with a 9-3 record and a victory in the Big 12 championship Game – a first for the program.
5. consistent Bowl Appearances: Campbell has led Iowa State to a bowl game in each of his seasons as head coach (as of august 1, 2025), demonstrating consistent competitiveness.

Impact on Recruiting & player Growth

The contract extension is expected to have a positive impact on both recruiting and player development.

Recruiting Advantage: The stability provided by a long-term contract allows Campbell and his staff to confidently recruit top talent, knowing they will be in Ames for the foreseeable future. This is particularly crucial in a competitive recruiting landscape.

Player Retention: Players are more likely to remain committed to a program when they have confidence in their coach’s long-term vision. The extension signals to current players that the program is committed to their success.

Development Focus: campbell’s emphasis on player development has been a hallmark of his tenure. The extension allows him to continue building a program based on nurturing talent and maximizing player potential. Iowa State’s success stories,like running back Breece Hall (now in the NFL),exemplify this approach.

The Big 12 Landscape & Future Outlook

The Big 12 Conference is undergoing significant changes with the addition of new members. This evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for Iowa State.

Conference Competition: the addition of teams like Colorado,Utah,arizona,and Arizona State will increase the level of competition within the conference.

National Exposure: The expanded Big 12 is expected to receive increased national media coverage, providing Iowa State with greater exposure.

Campbell’s Strategy: Campbell’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial as the conference evolves.His focus on building a strong culture and developing players will be key to maintaining Iowa State’s competitiveness.

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