ISU Coach Matt Campbell to Interview with the Chicago Bears

Nearly one month ago, Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell agreed to another lucrative contract extension to stay in Ames. Now, the Des Moines Register and many other sources report that Campbell will interview for the coaching vacancy with the NFL's Chicago Bears.

The Cyclones had a season for the record books in 2024. ISU finished 11-3, their first season with double-digit wins. They concluded their season by beating Miami in the Pop-Tart Bowl. Campbell's extension with Iowa State runs through the 2032 season according to the Register. So should Cylcone fans be worried that their head coach could be leaving for the NFL?

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Not necessarily. The Register reports that Campbell has flirted with the NFL before. He reportedly turned down an 8-year, $68.5 million contract to become the coach for the Detroit Lions in 2021. That job eventually went to Dan Campbell who has turned the Lions into the #1 seed in the NFC Playoffs this season. The Register reports that back in 2019, as many as six NFL teams reached out to Campbell for an interview. It is unclear if he took any.

Iowa Hawkeye fans have been through this cycle before too. Kirk Ferentz used to be the hot college name attached to every NFL opening. Despite taking multiple interviews, Ferentz remains in Iowa City and is the dean of FBS college football coaches. Will Matt Campbell follow the same path?

Out of all the potential jobs that should have Cyclone fans nervous, it is the Chicago Bears opening. The Register reports that Campbell is a Midwest native, growing up in nearby Ohio. A historic NFL franchise with a young up-and-coming quarterback might be too much for him to turn down. It all depends on what Matt Campbell wants to do. Personally, I think life in Ames, Iowa looks pretty good. As does the future of Iowa State football. We'll have to see which calling is louder.