Iowa State has locked up head football coach Matt Campbell, long term. The University has announced they've come to an agreement with Campbell on a six-year deal, worth $22.5 million. Campbell will be receiving an immediate pay raise. He was making $2.1 million per season, but that now jumps to $3.5 million. The coach will also get $1 million to give what's described as "incremental raises for his staff."

Kudos to Iowa State for making what, I think, is a great move. The Cyclones knocked off two Top-5 teams en route to a 7-5 regular season and are bowl eligible for the first time in five seasons. Four devastatingly close losses kept this from being a truly special season, but the future is very bright for Iowa State football.

In a release from the university, Campbell said,

I want to thank Jamie (Pollard) for respecting my desire to hold off these conversations until our regular season ended and also for being proactive in supporting the needs of my staff and team as we build a legacy at Iowa State University. The commitment that he and Iowa State have made to us – including some exciting facility enhancements on the horizon – has been critical to my vision for our team going forward.

We are just getting started at Iowa State. To see our culture rapidly developing in concert with some excellent incoming recruits, we are developing a foundation for a program on the brink of success. Most importantly, I want to continue this journey and take Iowa State and its fan base to levels it has never reached. Now, it’s time to hit the recruiting trail and continue to build on what has been achieved this season.”

Campbell has a new conference in the Bergstrom Football Complex at 9:30 Tuesday morning, the eve of his 38th birthday. I expect his birthday will be a little sweeter on Wednesday, and not just for Matt and his family. The fans will be celebrating, too.

[via Iowa State Sports Information]

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