The Iowa State Cyclones have officially begun a new chapter in their football program with the hiring of Jimmy Rogers as head coach. Rogers was introduced during a press conference on March 4, 2024, following the departure of Matt Campbell, who accepted a lucrative position with the Penn State Nittany Lions.
After a decade of leading the Cyclones, Campbell’s decision to move was influenced by a desire to be closer to family and the opportunity for a significant salary increase. The former head coach was earning approximately $5 million annually, ranking eighth in the Big 12 conference. In contrast, Rogers will start his tenure with a salary of $3 million under a six-year contract.
Contract Details and Coaching Changes
According to Jamie Pollard, Athletic Director for Iowa State, the same financial resources allocated to Campbell for his final coaching staff will be available to Rogers. This includes a budget for hiring assistant coaches, a crucial element as Rogers begins to shape his team.
Rogers has already made strides in assembling his staff. He has brought on Jesse Bobbit, the former interim head coach and defensive coordinator at Washington State, to serve as co-defensive coordinator. Bobbit will share the position with Ross Watson, who has garnered attention on the coaching market following his successful tenure with the Toledo Rockets.
With Rogers accepting the role, he will become the lowest-paid head coach in the Big 12, surpassing the previous title holder, Brent Brennan of the Arizona Wildcats, who earns $3.2 million annually. This financial adjustment reflects a strategic decision by Iowa State, which will incur a $4 million buyout to release Rogers from his contract with the Cougars, in addition to the $2 million buyout for Campbell.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Rogers acknowledges the legacy left by Campbell, emphasizing the importance of the groundwork laid during his predecessor’s tenure. “Matt Campbell is an unbelievable person,” Rogers remarked. “What he has done for this university over the last decade, how he has built the program to want to aspire to be a part of, to build a culture that players love their coach.”
Taking the helm after one of the most successful coaches in Iowa State’s history presents a formidable challenge for Rogers. Nevertheless, there is optimism within the program that he will continue to build upon the strong foundation established by Campbell. The Cyclones aim to maintain their competitive edge in the Big 12 and beyond, and Rogers is poised to lead them forward into this new era.
