Matt Campbell named semifinalist of George Munger Award

Head coach Matt Campbell talks into his headset after a play during a game against the Baylor Bears, Oct. 1 in Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones would go on to lose 45-42.

Brian Mozey

Matt Campbell, head football coach of Iowa State, is one of 16 semifinalists for the George Munger Coach of the Year Award. 

The Maxwell Football Club National Selection Committee chose these semifinalists and will choose three finalists on Dec. 12 and, finally, a winner on Dec. 27. 

Campbell is in his second year at Iowa State. In his first season, the Cyclones went 3-9 overall and 2-7 in the Big 12 Conference. This season, Iowa State has become a notable name in the Big 12. 

Currently, the Cyclones have a 6-4 record and 4-3 in the Big 12. They have notable wins at Oklahoma and against TCU when both were ranked in the top five. Iowa State is the only program in the nation this season to have two AP Top-5 wins. 

Iowa State became bowl-eligible during its homecoming weekend with a 14-7 win against then-No. 4 TCU. It’s the first time the Cyclones are going to a bowl game since 2012. 

The other semifinalists for the George Munger Coach of the Year award are:

Paul Chryst from Wisconsin

Bill Clark from UAB

Mark Dantonio from Michigan State

Scott Frost from UCF

Lane Kiffin from Florida Atlantic 

Gus Malzahn from Auburn

Jeff Monken from Army

Dan Mullen from Mississippi State

Mark Richt from Miami (Florida)

Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma

Rich Rodriguez from Arizona

Nick Saban from Alabama

Kirby Smart from Georgia 

Dabo Swinney from Clemson

Jeff Tedford from Fresno State