Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell has his team on the brink of doing something that has never been done as the Cyclones pursue the first 10-win season in program history. They also remain in the hunt for a spot in the Big 12 title game.
When college teams have success, coaches frequently cash in with financial incentives. During this exciting season for the Cyclones, how much has Campbell made in coaching bonuses?
Campbell has made a total of $800,000 in bonuses so far this season. If Iowa State defeats Kansas State on Saturday and clinches a bid to the Big 12 Conference Championship Game, Campbell could potentially earn another $500,000 in incentives.
According to Campbell’s contract obtained by USA Today, the Cyclones coach has already completed these clauses for a total of $800,000:
- $50,000: Sixth win and eligible for a bowl game
- $250,000: For seventh regular-season win
- $250,000: For eighth regular-season win
- $250,000: For ninth regular-season win
Depending on the results of this week, he could potentially earn more bonus payments based on these incentives:
- $250,000: For 10th regular-season win
- $250,000: If Cyclones finish in first place (including ties) in the Big 12 regular-season standings, appear in the Big 12 title game
- $250,000: If Cyclones finish in first place (including ties) in the Big 12 regular-season standings, appear in the Big 12 title game and win the conference championship game
- $50,000: For being named Big 12 Coach of the Year
Nick Joos, senior associate athletics director at Iowa State, said Tuesday that Campbell’s contract has not yet been amended to reflect the new 12-team College Football Playoff. But his contract did have these terms regarding the postseason when Campbell signed his extension three years ago through 2028:
- $50,000: For any football season that the team is selected and participates in a bowl game, or the College Football Playoff Semifinal Game (when it was the original four-team playoff format)
- $50,000: For any football season that the team wins a postseason bowl game or a College Football Playoff Semifinal Game (when it was the original four-team playoff format)
- $100,000: For any football season that the Cyclones win the College Football Playoff Championship Game (when it was the original four-team playoff format)
Campbell became Iowa State football’s winningest coach earlier this season. He is in his ninth season in Ames. He has a combined 62-50 overall record and a 44-36 record against Big 12 opponents.
According to USA Today’s database of college football coaching salaries, Campbell is making a total of $4,009,226 this season. Nationally, Campbell is the 53rd-highest-paid coach in Division I FBS football out of 125 total coaches with available salary data.
Steve Berkowitz of USA Today contributed to this report.
Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at erapay@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5.
