Matt Campbell Adds Former NFL Star to Iowa State Staff

The NCAA has changed the rules on how many coaches a college football program can have. Matt Campbell and the Iowa State Cyclones are taking advantage of that new rule and have brought in a former NFL star who knew how to rush the quarterback!

Sports Illustrated reports that Iowa State has added former NFL star and ex-University of Northern Iowa player Bryce Paup to the coaching staff. Paup joins the team just before the start of spring practice and will work with the defensive line. SI reports that Paup recently returned to UNI after one season as a coach with Minnesota. Paup spent the past 11 seasons working under Panther coach Mark Farley who announced his retirement following the 2024 season.

After his days as a starter at UNI, Paup was a sixth round NFL Draft selection by the Green Bay Packers in 1990. SI reports that he was named to four Pro-Bowls during his playing days for Buffalo, Green Bay, Jacksonville, and Minnesota. Paup was named the 1995 NFL Defensive Player of the Year for Buffalo where he led the league with 17.5 sacks.

SI reports that Paup will work with Eil Rasheed at Iowa State. Rasheed is the defensive line coach with the Cyclones and is entering his 10th year on the coaching staff. The NCAA voted to allow an unlimited number of assistants to instruct athletes last June. Kudos to Iowa State for bringing in a player who has seen success at the highest level of football!

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