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Report: Rising Big 12 coach would be leading candidate to replace Urban Meyer

Andrew Olson

By Andrew Olson

Published:

It is rare that a premiere college football coaching job like Ohio State comes open in the summer, but if it does, speculation will run wild as to who will land the coveted gig.

The job isn’t officially open, but according to Andrew Perloff of Sports Illustrated and The Dan Patrick Show, rumors are spreading that Iowa State’s Matt Campbell would be the front-runner.

While online sportsbook BetDSI tossed out some wild names like Jim Harbaugh, James Franklin, Houston Nutt and Les Miles as potential candidates, Campbell is someone who would actually make sense.

Much like Meyer, Campbell has Ohio roots. He was born in Massillon, Ohio and played college football at Mount Union. Also like Meyer, Campbell has achieved success as a young head coach (38) at smaller programs. Campbell coached four winning seasons at Toledo (35-15) from 2012-15 and guided the Rockets to back-to-back bowl games. After 2015, he took over the coaching job at Iowa State. His first season with the Cyclones was rough (3-9), but last year’s squad went 8-5 and won the Liberty Bowl, earning Campbell Big 12 Coach of the Year honors.

When discussing Campbell, his buyout is often brought up. Campbell would owe Iowa State $7 million if he leaves before Feb. 1, 2019. That’s a significant price to pay, but it’s safe to assume OSU has the financial resources to make it happen if the school wants him. Besides, $7 million pales in comparison to the nearly $40 million the Buckeyes can potentially save by firing Meyer for cause.

Andrew Olson

A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.