AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State immediately sought a replacement for Matt Campbell, hiring Washington State’s Jimmie Rodgers as its football coach on Friday night.
The Cyclones moved quickly after Campbell left Penn State on Friday to replace the fired James Franklin. They agreed to a six-year contract with Rodgers, who led Washington State to a 6-6 record in his lone season after two seasons at South Dakota State and an FCS title.
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“Jimmy Rodgers is a rising star in college athletics and has very strong ties to the Midwest, both as a player and as a coach,” Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard said in a statement. “He has been on my short list since I first met him. I was immediately impressed by his interest in Iowa State and told me during our first visit a few years ago that he wanted to be Iowa State’s next head coach.”
“I have stayed in close contact with him since our initial meeting and have been impressed by his work ethic and understanding of what it takes to be successful at Iowa State,” he added. “He is a proven winner who has proven throughout his career that he will fit into our culture.”
Rogers achieved a 33-9 record in three years as head coach. He was one of four coaches at WSU to lead the Cougars to a bowl game in their first season.
“Iowa State has been one of the top programs in the nation for the past decade and we look forward to continuing its upward trajectory,” Rogers said. “I am extremely grateful to Jamie Pollard for the opportunity to lead the Cyclones.”
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Rodgers spent most of the past two decades as a player or staff member at South Dakota State University. He led the Jackrabbits to a 27-3 record in two seasons as head coach, including a defense of the FCS title in 2023 and a semifinal appearance in 2024.
Rogers was a linebacker at South Dakota State from 2006 to 2009 and a graduate assistant at the state in 2010 and 2011 before spending one year at Florida Atlantic University. He returned as linebackers coach in 2013 and eventually became defensive coordinator before taking over as head coach after longtime head coach John Stiegelmeier retired after leading the Jackrabbits to their first national championship.
He replaces Iowa State’s winningest coach. Campbell compiled a 72-55 record in 10 seasons.
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