Brent Metcalf named ISU men's wrestling coach

Longtime assistant Metcalf takes over Cyclones program after 9 seasons under Dresser

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:11pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a wrestling match or competition, with sharp, overlapping planes of red and gold representing the Iowa State Cyclones colors.The promotion of longtime assistant Brent Metcalf to head coach signals a new era of growth for the Iowa State wrestling program.Ames Today

Brent Metcalf, who has spent the past nine seasons as an assistant coach helping Kevin Dresser rebuild the Iowa State wrestling program, has been named the new head coach of the Cyclones men's wrestling team.

Why it matters

Metcalf is a highly respected figure in college wrestling, known for his fierce competitiveness as a former NCAA champion. His promotion to head coach is seen as a continuation of the program's resurgence under Dresser's leadership over the past decade.

The details

Metcalf has been a key part of the Cyclones' coaching staff since 2017, helping Dresser methodically return the once-proud Iowa State program to national prominence. As the new head coach, Metcalf will look to build on the team's recent success and lead them to even greater heights in the coming years.

  • Metcalf has spent the past 9 seasons as an assistant coach at Iowa State.
  • Metcalf was named the new head coach on April 17, 2026.

The players

Brent Metcalf

The new head coach of the Iowa State men's wrestling program, who has served as an assistant coach for the past 9 seasons under Kevin Dresser.

Kevin Dresser

The former head coach of the Iowa State men's wrestling program, who has spent the past 9 seasons methodically rebuilding the Cyclones into a national contender.

Jamie Pollard

The Director of Athletics at Iowa State University, who announced Metcalf's promotion to head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Brent Metcalf has played a critical role in the rebirth of the Iowa State wrestling program over the last nine years, and we are thrilled to introduce him as the next head coach of the Cyclones.”

— Jamie Pollard, Director of Athletics, Iowa State University

The takeaway

Metcalf's promotion to head coach represents a continuation of the Cyclones' wrestling resurgence, as he looks to build on the program's recent success and lead it to even greater heights in the coming years.