What's happened
Iowa State has appointed Jimmy Rogers as its new head football coach following Matt Campbell's departure to Penn State. Rogers, previously at Washington State, signed a six-year deal and has a strong coaching record, including an FCS national championship. The move follows Campbell's 10-year tenure at Iowa State.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift in Iowa State Football
The hiring of Jimmy Rogers signals Iowa State's focus on a coach with a strong winning pedigree and Midwest roots, aiming to sustain its competitive trajectory. Rogers' success at South Dakota State, including back-to-back FCS titles, demonstrates his ability to build winning programs. His brief tenure at Washington State, though only one season, showed promise with a 6-6 record, indicating potential for growth.
This move also reflects Iowa State's desire for continuity after Campbell's decade-long success. Rogers' familiarity with the Midwest and proven leadership will likely help stabilize the program and attract recruits. The quick appointment underscores the university's intent to maintain momentum and avoid coaching gaps.
Looking ahead, Rogers' challenge will be to adapt his success at the FCS level to the Big 12, where competition is stiffer. His track record suggests he will implement an innovative, team-oriented approach that resonates with players and staff. The next season will be critical in assessing whether this strategic shift can sustain Iowa State's competitive edge in college football.
What the papers say
The AP News articles provide a comprehensive overview of the coaching transition, highlighting Rogers' impressive coaching record and the context of Campbell's departure. The NY Post adds emotional commentary from Iowa State's athletic director, emphasizing the program's respect for Campbell's legacy and the swift decision to hire Rogers. These sources collectively portray a program in transition, focused on stability and future success, with Rogers seen as a rising star in college athletics. The coverage underscores the importance of leadership continuity and the strategic importance of Rogers' Midwest ties, which are viewed as assets for Iowa State's ongoing development.
How we got here
Matt Campbell, Iowa State's winningest coach with a 72-55 record over 10 seasons, left to take the head coach position at Penn State after a successful decade. Jimmy Rogers, who led Washington State to a 6-6 record in his only season there and previously coached at South Dakota State, was quickly hired as his replacement. Rogers has a proven winning record, including an FCS national championship, and has strong Midwest ties, making him a fitting choice for Iowa State.
Go deeper
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Jimmy Rogers was an American Chicago blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player, best known for his work as a member of Muddy Waters's band in the early 1950s.
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Iowa State University of Science and Technology, is a public land-grant research university in Ames, Iowa. It is the largest university in the state of Iowa and the third largest university in the Big 12 athletic conference.
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Matthew Allen Campbell is an American college football coach. He is the head football coach at Iowa State University, a position he has held since the 2016 season. Campbell was head football coach at the University of Toledo from 2011 to 2015. Prior to th