Matt Campbell’s first coaching staff at Penn State is beginning to take shape - and it’s clear he’s leaning heavily on familiarity and continuity as he builds his foundation in Happy Valley.
On Friday, Penn State officially announced 10 key additions to Campbell’s new-look staff, a mix of on-field coaches and behind-the-scenes personnel, many of whom worked with him at Iowa State. The message? Campbell is bringing his core football philosophy with him - and the people who know how to execute it.
Key On-Field Hires Bring Familiar Faces and Proven Chemistry
Three of the most prominent hires are on the field: Taylor Mouser as offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, Ryan Clanton as offensive line coach, and Deon Broomfield as secondary coach. All three served under Campbell at Iowa State, and their inclusion signals a clear intent to replicate the culture and systems that helped the Cyclones punch above their weight in the Big 12.
Mouser, in particular, is a long-time Campbell lieutenant. Their relationship dates back to 2015 at Toledo, where Mouser got his start as a graduate assistant.
Since then, he’s climbed the ladder in Campbell’s programs - from scouting and quality control roles to tight ends coach and, most recently, offensive coordinator. His resume shows a steady progression and a deep understanding of Campbell’s offensive vision.
A former defensive lineman at Adams State, Mouser brings a unique perspective to offensive coaching - and now he’ll be tasked with leading Penn State’s offense into a new era.
Clanton, meanwhile, joined Iowa State in 2023 as offensive line coach and quickly earned added responsibilities as run game coordinator in 2024. His coaching journey includes time at Northern Iowa and Ventura College, and he brings both Power Five experience and a strong reputation for developing tough, physical offensive lines.
As a former Oregon Duck, Clanton knows what it’s like to play on the big stage - he was part of the team that reached the BCS National Championship Game in 2010 and captained the 2012 squad to a 12-1 record and a Fiesta Bowl win. That kind of pedigree, combined with his coaching chops, makes him a key piece in Campbell’s blueprint.
Broomfield rounds out the trio of on-field hires. A former Iowa State defensive back himself, he’s walked the walk - and now he’s coaching the next generation to do the same.
After a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills practice squad in 2014, Broomfield began building his coaching résumé at the college and NFL levels. He’s coached at Carthage, Western Illinois, Indiana State, and even spent a year as a defensive assistant with the Houston Texans before returning to Ames in 2021 as safeties coach.
In 2023, he added the title of pass game coordinator, further expanding his influence on the Cyclones’ defense. At Penn State, he’ll oversee the secondary, though the program noted that his exact responsibilities could evolve - especially considering how teams often split duties between safeties and cornerbacks.
Building Out the Off-Field Infrastructure
Campbell isn’t just focusing on the sidelines - he’s also reinforcing the behind-the-scenes structure that supports recruiting, player development, and day-to-day operations.
Derek Hoodjer has been named general manager, a role that continues to gain prominence in college football as programs take a more NFL-style approach to roster management. Hoodjer worked in a similar capacity at Iowa State, and he’ll be joined by Trent Slattenow, who will serve as director of player personnel, and Jack Griffith, a recruiting assistant who arrives from Cincinnati. Griffith had previously been reported as joining the staff as an assistant general manager, but the official title is now recruiting assistant - though Penn State noted that titles are still subject to change.
In the strength and conditioning department, Campbell is bringing over a trio of trusted voices from Iowa State: Aaron Hillmann as director of sports performance operations, Reid Kagy as head strength and conditioning coach, and Brandon Pietrzyk as assistant strength and conditioning coach. This group will play a pivotal role in developing the physical edge Campbell’s teams are known for.
Rounding out the hires is Skip Brabenec, who will serve as Campbell’s chief of staff. That role typically involves coordinating logistics, managing internal operations, and serving as a key liaison between the coaching staff and administration - a vital position for any head coach looking to establish a consistent culture and rhythm.
Familiarity Breeds Foundation
What stands out about these hires isn’t just the Iowa State connection - it’s the shared vision. Campbell is surrounding himself with people who understand how he operates, what he values, and how he wants to build a program. That kind of cohesion can accelerate the transition process, especially in today’s fast-moving college football landscape.
It’s also worth noting that Terry Smith, a longtime Penn State assistant, will remain on staff as associate head coach, with his specific responsibilities still to be determined. Smith has deep ties to the program and the region, and keeping him on board provides some continuity for returning players and recruits alike.
The Road Ahead
This is just the beginning of Campbell’s tenure in State College, but the early moves suggest a coach who knows exactly what he wants - and who he wants by his side. The combination of trusted lieutenants and experienced support staff gives Penn State a clear direction as it turns the page to a new era.
There’s still more to come, but the foundation is being laid - and it looks a lot like the one Campbell built in Ames. Now, the challenge is translating that success to the Big Ten stage.