Top college programs called.
NFL general managers called.
Matt Campbell stayed in place.
Now, Iowa State's head coach has been rewarded with yet another contract extension that carries through the 2028 season.
Barely more than a year ago, in December 2019, Iowa State athletics director Jamie Pollard had rewarded Campbell with an extension that stretched through the 2025 campaign.
After Campbell was approached by multiple Power-5 programs during this coaching cycle, and Pollard had NFL executives reach out to him about the Cyclones' head coach of the past five seasons, the two worked together on a new agreement.
“Coach Campbell has always put investments in his student-athletes and football staff before his own personal gains,” Pollard said in an ISU statement. “That is the essence of servant leadership and is what makes Coach Campbell so successful.”
Added Campbell in ISU's release, "I am extremely thankful to our President, Dr. (Wendy) Wintersteen and our Athletic Director, Jamie Pollard, for supporting our staff and program. (ISU) has made a terrific commitment to Cyclone football, and I'm thrilled to continue to move this program forward."
Per the USA Today Coaches' Salary database, Campbell was scheduled to make $3.7 million last season at Iowa State, but due to COVID-19 cuts in the Cyclones' athletics department, Campbell was slated to earn approximately $3.5 million.
According to ISU's release, the school has committed "a total of $3 million for staff salary enhancements" the next three years. Translation: Campbell's going to have a lot more money available to both hire and retain his assistant coaches.
The school also notes it is preparing to open soon its new $90 million Sports Performance Center.
Campbell has compiled a a 70-43 overall record as a head coach, his time split between ISU and prior to that, Toledo. He led the Cyclones to the their first-ever appearance in the Big 12 Championship game last season and also guided them to a Fiesta Bowl win against Oregon.
Financial terms of Campbell's new deal, per ISU, will be released at a later date.