For the first time during this most recent spin of the coaching carousel, an interim head coach will remain at a school in a permanent capacity.
At a press conference Monday evening, Toledo announced Matt Campbell will be its new head football coach. Campbell had been named interim head coach when Tim Beckman left to take over the Illinois football program.
Beckman had offered Campbell the Illini coordinator job but, obviously, declined to take over his own program for the first time.
“I’m honored to become the next head football coach at the University of Toledo,” said Campbell. “I would like to thank [athletic director] Mike O’Brien and President Lloyd Jacobs for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank Tim Beckman, the Rocket coaching staff and most of all the young men on this football team who have helped me reach my goal of becoming a head football coach. Finally, I would like to thank my parents and my wife, Erica, for all their love and support in helping make this day possible.”
“We are very pleased that Matt Campbell has agreed to become the head football coach at the University of Toledo,” said O’Brien. “There is no doubt that Matt has done a terrific job in his three years as our offensive coordinator. The performance of our offense speaks for itself. But I have also been very impressed with Matt as a person and as a leader of young men. He is quite simply a very exceptional football coach, and I believe the best person to lead this program going forward. We are very excited for the future of Rocket football under Matt’s guidance.”
The 32-year-old Campbell has served as the Rockets’ offensive coordinator the past three seasons. He will coach the Rockets Dec. 28 vs. Air Force in the Military Bowl.
(Photo courtesy of the University of Toledo)