Matt Campbell Takes the Helm at Penn State
In a stunning turn of events, Matt Campbell, the former head coach of Iowa State, has been appointed as the new head coach of Penn State, a program steeped in tradition and success. The announcement sent ripples through the college football world, marking a significant shift in Campbell’s career trajectory.
A Strong Legacy
Before the emergence of Nick Sirianni, few in the Delaware Valley had heard of Larry Kehres, the iconic coach at Mount Union who amassed an impressive 11 NCAA Division III championships. However, as Sirianni has risen to fame as the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning coach, Kehres’ influence has become more widely recognized. Sirianni enters his upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers boasting the highest winning percentage of any active coach at .700 (56-24).
Earlier this week, Campbell, a former roommate of Sirianni and another esteemed Kehres disciple, stepped into the limelight at Penn State. This appointment not only highlights Campbell’s coaching prowess but also reinforces the legacy of Kehres, who has shaped the careers of many successful coaches.
Endorsements from Peers
Sirianni expressed his enthusiasm for Campbell’s new role, stating, “I’m really excited for him, really excited for him and the opportunity that he has. Well-deserved. Phenomenal, phenomenal football coach, phenomenal person, great family.”
The two men share a rich history, having won three national championships together at Mount Union. Sirianni played as a wide receiver and later coached defensive backs, while Campbell served as an offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Their shared experiences under Kehres have undoubtedly forged a strong bond that continues to thrive.
A Fan’s Perspective
Sirianni reflected on his time as a fan of Iowa State during Campbell’s tenure, acknowledging the complexities of being a coach and fan simultaneously. “When you’re coaching football yourself, you’re not a fan of anybody, really,” he said. Yet, he still maintains a keen interest in various teams, including checking scores for his brother’s high school team and following the fortunes of Mount Union and Iowa State.
With Campbell now at Penn State, Sirianni is eager to deepen their discussions about football. “I just think he’s a great football coach,” he remarked, looking forward to visiting Penn State’s spring practices when possible.
Awaiting the New Era
Saquon Barkley, an All-Pro running back for the Eagles and a prominent Penn State alum, shared his thoughts on Campbell’s appointment. While he admitted to not knowing much about Campbell, he expressed excitement for the new head coach. “It’s a great opportunity to be the head coach of Penn State University. It’s not a lot of jobs better than that, to be honest,” Barkley stated.
For those curious about Campbell’s credentials, it all ties back to Kehres. Sirianni underscored Kehres’ role in shaping the coaching landscape, emphasizing that their time at Mount Union provided them with invaluable insights in football coaching. “Larry Kehres deserves a lot of credit for all of us being in these positions right now,” he said.
As Campbell embarks on this new chapter at Penn State, the expectations are high, and the support from former players like Sirianni and Barkley demonstrates the respect he commands within the football community. The college football landscape is poised for an exciting transformation under his leadership.
