Matt Campbell earns AFCA Region 4 Coach of the Year

Brian Mozey

After winning the Big 12 Coach of the Year last week, Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell was named the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Region 4 Coach of the Year this morning. 

Campbell signed a new six-year, $22.5 million contract on Nov. 27 and also turned 38 years old on Nov. 29. He was named Big 12 Coach of the Year on Nov. 30 and just this past Sunday his team was selected for a bowl game.

The Cyclones will be playing against Memphis in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Dec. 30 in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Campbell came to Iowa State before the start of the 2016 season. His first year, the team went 3-9, but after a long offseason he’s turned this program around and gave Iowa State a winning record at 7-5 this season. 

With this turnaround of a season, Campbell was named finalist for the George Munger Award, which is given to the best coach in the nation. 

Campbell wasn’t the only one to win this award as the AFCA gives this award to five different coaches from five regions. 

Region 1: Scott Frost from UCF

Region 2: Kirby Smart from Georgia

Region 3: Paul Chryst from Wisconsin

Region 4: Matt Campbell from Iowa State

Region 5: Jeff Tedford from Fresno State