Pat Kraft releases statement on hiring Matt Campbell: 'Coach Campbell is, without a doubt, the right leader at the right time for Penn State'

Penn State has officially hired Matt Campbell as its 17th head coach in program history. Terms of his deal have not yet been approved by the university’s Board of Trustees. But, on Friday night, athletic director Pat Kraft released a statement ending his 54-day search to make the 46-year-old Ohio native the next leader of the Lions. You can read it below, courtesy of a Penn State press release.

“I’m thrilled to share with the Penn State community that we have reached an agreement with Matt Campbell to have him serve as the 17th head football coach at Penn State. We look forward to officially welcoming Coach Campbell and his family to Penn State on Monday.

“Coach Campbell is, without a doubt, the right leader at the right time for Penn State Football. He is a stellar coach with a proven track record of success and his values, character and approach to leading student-athletes to success on and off the field align perfectly with the traditions and values of Penn State. 

More: Buzzworthy: How Penn State made Matt Campbell its head coach

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Coach Terry Smith for stepping up when we needed him the most and for rallying our team to finish this season with three straight wins. Coach Smith bleeds blue and white and pours his entire heart and soul into Penn State Football. I’m deeply grateful for his commitment to our University, and I am excited that he will continue to be a part of this program.

“As we start this exciting next chapter for our football program with Coach Campbell at the helm, the future is bright. We will continue to build upon and elevate the high standard that is the hallmark of our program.”

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