As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Matt Campbell.
Matt Campbell’s coaching experience (37 years old)
Player at Pittsburgh and Mount Union. Assistant at Bowling Green and Toledo before becoming the Rockets head coach, 2011-15. Iowa State head coach the past two years.
GRT college football coaching taxonomy: The Proven Winner, Level Four – Mid-Major Champion
Why the Tennessee Vols might want Matt Campbell
When you talk about coaches who have skyrocketed through the ranks, Campbell’s game is at the top of the list. I mean, this dude is younger than me! He’s already in Year 2 at a Power 5 team and owns two big-time wins over Oklahoma and TCU this year, and he almost had another one against Oklahoma State. He built Toledo into a MAC powerhouse, and though he may not be a sexy name, he certainly would be a good one. He runs a spread that isn’t afraid to get vertical, and he’s developed running backs like Kareem Hunt and also proven he can build quarterbacks.
Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Matt Campbell
Unlike some Tennessee AD moves in recent years, Iowa State was shrewd when it locked up Campbell. He’s saddled with a $9.4 million buyout, so unless you’re absolutely sure he’s the home-run hire, you absolutely cannot go in that direction. Other than that, there’s no reason not to like Campbell. He’s developed offenses and defenses and is young enough to be relatable to players. But can he win a championship?