Iowa State moves quickly, hiring new coach to replace Matt Campbell

Shortly after the news emerged that Campbell was leaving Ames to become the head coach at Penn State, Iowa State announced it was hiring Washington State’s Jimmy Rogers to be the next head coach of the Cyclones.

The school said Rogers has agreed to a six-year deal.

Rogers, 38, went 6-6 this year with Washington State in what proved to be his lone year with the program. Prior to becoming the head coach in Pullman, Rogers spent two years as the head coach at South Dakota State.

He went 27-3 leading the Jackrabbits, including a 15-0 national championship season in 2023.

‘Jimmy Rodgers is a rising star in college athletics who has very strong ties to the Midwest both as a player and as a coach,’ Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard said in a statement. ‘He has been on my short-list ever since the first time I met him. He immediately impressed me with his interest in Iowa State University and told me during our first visit several years ago that he wanted to be the next head coach at Iowa State. 

‘Since our initial meeting, I have stayed in close contact with him and have been very impressed with his work ethic and understanding of what it takes to be successful at Iowa State. He is a proven winner who has demonstrated throughout his career that he will fit our culture.’

Rogers will be replacing Campbell, 46, who became the winningest coach in Iowa State history during his 10 years leading the program.

‘My family and I are excited to be joining the Iowa State University community and the Cyclone football program,’ Rogers said in a statement. ‘Iowa State has been one of the nation’s top programs for the last decade and we look forward to building upon its upward trajectory. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that Jamie Pollard has given me to lead the Cyclones.

‘From the administration, to the alumni and current student-athletes, this University has everything needed to compete at the highest level in college football. I am honored to be given this opportunity and responsibility and cannot wait to get started!’