Matt Campbell Leads Penn State Football Through Transition

New head coach focuses on building program foundation after 'whirlwind' start

Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:07pm

Matt Campbell, the new head coach of the Penn State football team, has been working to assemble a program foundation over the past two months after taking on the role. Campbell described the initial period as a 'whirlwind' as he and his staff worked to get everything in place, and now they are focused on what's next for the team.

Why it matters

Penn State is looking to rebound after a disappointing season, and the hiring of Campbell as the new head coach represents a significant transition for the program. How Campbell and his staff navigate this initial period will be crucial in setting the team up for success in the coming years.

The details

In his first two months on the job, Campbell has been working to build out his coaching staff and implement his vision for the Penn State football program. This has involved a flurry of activity as he works to get everything in place ahead of the upcoming season.

  • Matt Campbell was hired as the new head coach of Penn State football in December 2025.
  • Over the past two months, Campbell and his staff have been working to assemble the program foundation.

The players

Matt Campbell

The new head coach of the Penn State football team, hired in December 2025 to lead the program's transition.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a whirlwind the last two months, but we're excited about the foundation we've been able to build and what's next for this program.”

— Matt Campbell, Head Coach, Penn State Football

What’s next

Campbell and his staff will continue to work on recruiting, finalizing the coaching roster, and implementing their vision for the Penn State football program ahead of the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The transition to a new head coach represents a critical juncture for the Penn State football program, and how Campbell navigates this initial period will be crucial in setting the team up for success in the years to come.