How much is Matt Campbell making to coach Penn State? Contract details, bonuses, and buyout info revealed

Penn State has officially hired Matt Campbell as its 17th head coach in program history. The news became official on Monday after the university’s Board of Trustees’ Committee on Equity and Human Resources voted to approve the former Iowa State head coach’s eight-year deal.

“I am incredibly honored to join Penn State University as its next head football coach,” Campbell in a news release. “This is one of the blue bloods of college football, and this program’s history and tradition are unmatched. I look forward to building on that foundation by developing student-athletes on and off the field, competing for championships and continuing the legacy of excellence that defines Penn State.”  

I want to thank President Bendapudi and Pat Kraft for their trust and support throughout this process. I also want to express my deep gratitude to Iowa State University, its football program and the entire Cyclone community for the incredible memories and experiences my family and I have shared there. We will always cherish our time in Ames. My family and I are eager to become part of the Penn State community and get to work with the student-athletes, staff and fans who make this place so special.” 

Here’s what fans should know about the contract. It includes $70.5 million in guaranteed money over eight years, plus $1 million annual retention bonuses.

What is Matt Campbell’s base salary at Penn State?

Campbell will be paid $8 million in 2025. And the amount of guaranteed money he earns increases annually.

Here is how it breaks down:

2026: $8 million
2027: $8.25 million
2028: $8.5 million
2029: $9 million
2030: $9 million
2031: $9.5 million
2032: $9.5 million
2033: $9.5 million

Per the deal, Penn State will provide an “Automatic one-year extension for making the CFP Playoffs with a compensation increase of no less than an additional $500,000.

“Automatic two-year extension for winning National Championship with a compensation increase of no less than an additional $1,000,000.”

What bonuses are in the contract?

Here they are, per Penn State:

Category A
National Coach of the Year: $150,000
Big Ten Coach of the Year: $100,000

Category B
Win Big Ten Championship Game: $350,000
Big Ten Championship Game Appearance: $250,000

Category C
Win CFP Championship: $1,000,000
Appear in CFP Championship Game: $800,000
Appear in CFP Semifinal: $500,000
Appear in CFP Quarterfinal: $400,000
Appear in CFP First Round: $300,000
Non-CFP Bowl Game Appearance: $200,000

Off-field bonuses include:

Category A (GPA)
3.0 – 3.29: $75,000
3.3 – 3.49: $100,000
3.5 and above: $150,000

Category B (GSR)
90 – 92: $75,000
93 – 94: $100,000
95 and higher: $150,00

What else should fans know about Campbell’s contract?

Here is the buyout info if Penn State fires Campbell:

“If University terminates Coach, it will pay Coach 100% of the Guaranteed Compensation for the remainder of the employment agreement, subject to Coach’s mitigation.”

How much would Campbell owe Penn State to leave early?

Here is the buyout information if Campbell were to leave Penn State before his contract ends.

2026: $10,000,000
2027: $8,000,000
2028: $6,000,000
2029: $4,000,000
2030: $2,000,000
2031: $1,000,000
2032: $1,000,000
2033: $1,000,000