The Craziest 24 Hours in Toledo Football History -- Matt Campbell to Iowa State

MATT CAMPBELL ACCEPTS OFFER TO BECOME THE NEXT HEAD COACH AT... IOWA STATE? 

Now former Toledo head coach,
Matt Campbell.

By: Zach Harig -- November 29, 2015

What a 24 hours for the Toledo Football program. It wasn't a secret, Toledo head coach, Matt Campbell was going to be a highly sought after commodity for top-tier football programs around the country. Programs such as Missouri, South Carolina, Southern California, and Virginia Tech were among the many seeking replacements for a head football coach. No matter what job it was, Matt Campbell's name seemed to surface frequently. However, following a 35-30 loss to Western Michigan on Friday, Campbell seemed to put all of those rumors to rest with one simple response after being asked about the Missouri coaching vacancy:

"It's really easy: I haven't talked to anybody. I have zero interest in terms of anything other than this football team and being its head football coach. That's always been my stand on that. This is really important to me, and doing it the right way and getting it to where it needs to be is important to me."

Refreshing to say the least, right? According to a source that was inside the Toledo locker room following Friday's loss, Campbell addressed the team, stating the exact same thing as he did in the press conference. Campbell stood in front of the team, told them he was going to be back and how he didn't have interest in other jobs. Well, mid-day Saturday, the Missouri rumors once again flared up, stating that Campbell would be interviewed to replace former head coach, Gary Pinkel. From there, a school that nobody expected to be affiliated with Matt Campbell's name appeared. Iowa State. Yes, the mighty Cyclones of Iowa State, a Big 12 bottom-feeder for the past one hundred years. At first, Toledo fans were laughing at the thought of Campbell even considering Iowa State. After all, the Rockets defeated the lowly Cyclones, 30-23 in overtime back on September 19. Slowly but surely, those rumors began to take off. In fact, Sports Illustrated actually reported late Saturday evening that a deal was in place for Campbell to become the new head man at Iowa State and an announcement was imminent.

Following the news, Toledo Athletic Director Mike O'Brien, "fought like hell," to retain Campbell by offering him a contract extension which would have made him the highest paid coach in the Mid-American Conference, over P.J. Fleck of Western Michigan, who makes nearly $800,000 per year. In fact, Campbell's extension was rumored to be in the ballpark of a million-dollars a year. After apparently mulling the offers over for several hours, Campbell made his decision just after midnight on Sunday morning.

Quickly, the social media world was overwhelmed by news that broke at 12:27 AM by Toledo Blade writer, Nick Piotrowicz via Twitter -- Campbell was leaving for Iowa State. The tweet spread and was backed up by Iowa State journalists confirming the report before ESPN and Bleacher Report jumped in as well. Following the news, Toledo fans were left shaking their head. Sure, Campbell was a hot commodity, but Iowa State?

As illustrated, Campbell was a big candidate for schools such as Missouri as well, which would have been a much better job, especially in the SEC. However, there was no guarantee there would be an offer sent Campbell's way, as the Tigers began to weigh their options. For Iowa State and their Athletic Director, Jamie Pollard, they knew who they wanted and they had only one true candidate, it was Matt Campbell. Rather than wait and be passed over, Campbell jumped at the offer. Campbell and Iowa State reportedly met on Friday evening after Pollard flew into Detroit Metro Airport. And yes, for those wondering, Pollard is the same AD that gave former Cyclone head coach, Paul Rhoads, a ten-year contract extension following the 2011 season, which would lead to Rhoads ultimately leading the Cyclone to an 11-26 overall mark in three seasons following, leading to his firing. What's to lose for Campbell? Who will have extreme job security since Iowa State is used to being at the bottom of the Big 12. It's a patient work in progress out in Ames, Iowa, where by the way, Campbell will be at least tripling his salary.

The confusion, shock, and utter disbelief of Rocket Nation was evident on social media early Sunday morning following the news being confirmed. Some Toledo players, both past and present, took to Twitter to voice their opinions towards Campbell's departure.

Junior defensive end, John Stepec.

True freshman kicker, Jameson Vest.

Redshirt-freshman safety, Marcus Whitfield.

True freshman offensive lineman, Cameron Bell.

True freshman quarterback, Mitch Guadagni.

True freshman defensive lineman, Nate Childress.

Former Toledo center and current
Houston Texan, Greg Mancz.

"...Doing it the right way and getting it to where it needs to be is important to me," Campbell stated in his post-game press conference as far as how he wants to build the Toledo program. After those words were said, it appears a complete 180 has occurred since. In Campbell's defense, media can get in the way of plans to "do things the right way," but that has to be understood by coaches. It is likely that Campbell wanted to tell the team himself on Sunday or Monday during meetings, rather than having them find out via social media, but in the world of smart phones, situations like these get leaked more often than not. Therefore, players are crushed into a state of utter disbelief, uncertain of their own futures.

Toledo offensive coordinator and long-time friend of Matt
Campbell, Jason Candle, could be Toledo's next head coach.

So what now? Well, Iowa State is expected to introduce Campbell on Sunday or Monday afternoon, with conflicting reports. The Toledo coaching staff and players will remain in the dark until Campbell addresses them which will likely come Sunday afternoon or evening. As far as a coaching staff, reports are that offensive line coach, Tom Manning will be tagging along with Campbell to become a part of his staff in Ames. The real question is whether offensive coordinator, Jason Candle stays at Toledo to likely become the next head coach or does he become a part of the new staff as well? At running backs, it will be interesting. Former Toledo running backs coach, Lou Ayeni was on the Paul Rhoads staff that was let go at season's end, but rumors are Campbell will retain Ayeni for his staff at Iowa State. Ultimately, if that is the case, current Toledo running backs coach, Anthony Johnson will most likely stick around in the Glass City as well.

Although it's hard to believe, now that Campbell is gone, Toledo will immediately look to fill their coaching vacancy. The best case scenario is for the Rockets to look internally with either offensive coordinator, Jason Candle or defensive coordinator, Jon Heacock. Candle has repeatedly been named a top-ten assistant in all the entire FBS for both his recruiting efforts and play on the field and has been with the Rockets for five full seasons now. Heacock, in turn, has been around for decades and has been a coordinator in the Big Ten at Purdue as well. The Toledo defense has improved drastically under Heacock, who is the more experienced candidate, although only in his second season at Toledo this go around after returning from his graduate assistant days. However, you can't rule out both of those guys following Campbell to Ames and leaving Larimer Athletic Complex entirely empty.

Money talks, as evident with Matt Campbell eating his words
just one day later and leaving for Iowa State.

Truthfully, the Mid-American Conference will always be a coaching hot bed. Coaches don't have success like Campbell did, going 35-15 overall, just to stick around and continue playing in the MAC. Ever since the days of Nick Saban, Gary Pinkel, Urban Meyer, and even coaches prior to that, MAC coaches have been propelled to bigger jobs. Despite a major pay raise and contract extension offer from Toledo, Campbell accepted the deal to head to the Big 12. Iowa State will need to buyout Campbell's contract for a small fee of $200,000 and although the terms of the deal are not yet being released, the contract is reportedly nearly three to four-times the amount that Campbell was making per year, which was around $500,000.

Right or wrong, money speaks, that's just the world we live in. Maybe Campbell wasn't expecting to bounce out of Northwest Ohio this season, but with the money, connections, and bigger conference, anything can happen. One thing is for certain, the Toledo players are extremely hurt and in a tough place as of Sunday morning. The longer Toledo Athletic Director, Mike O'Brien prolongs a coaching search, the worse, especially when it comes to the 2016 recruiting class, which is one of the best Toledo has ever had. A lot of times when coaches leave, recruits like to decommit, so it'll be something to keep an eye on.

In Ames, Iowa, Campbell will have his work cut out for him. Since 1995, three Iowa State coaches have combined for a 90-141 overall record. Aside from this, the Cyclones have not had a winning season since 2009. Rocket fans that were awake when the news broke remain in a state of shock, while those that were asleep, are in for hell when they open their eyes in the morning.





'The Glass City Sports Report' will be live from 8-10 pm on Sunday, November 29th on 88.3 FM - WXUT in Toledo & will have all reaction from the Matt Campbell saga, including calls from Iowa State and Toledo journalists that broke the story. Tune in or stream the show live by clicking HERE.

Questions? Comments? Interact with Zach on Twitter: @ToledoZach

The Developed Rivalry Between Northern Illinois & Toledo

Rivalries all have one thing in common: hatred, angst, and history. While Northern Illinois and Toledo may not be exactly the first rivalry to come to mind when you heard the word, the teams are developing a history. Although the all-time series is in Toledo's favor, 29-14, both teams have had their moments throughout. From 1990-2004, Toledo dominated the Huskies, winning eleven straight contests and eventually winning the Mid-American Conference Championship under Bruce Gradkowski in 2004. Since then, Northern Illinois has won eight of the past eleven meetings. A lot of times in rivalries, there will be stretches of domination, these teams certainly have that going both ways.

Despite being hard to make out, a dry-erase
board on the NIU sidelines seasons ago featured:
"Tuck Foledo."

For years now, Northern Illinois fans have hated Toledo. A lot of fans, especially outside of the MAC and outside of DeKalb, Illinois may ask why. The reason is due to the implications the series has had on the MAC West division. For the past decade, the match-up has almost always decided who would represent the west division in the championship game. Therefore, the hatred has begun to burn deep between the two fan bases. In fact, Northern Illinois had a sign placed in their locker room in 2013 that stated, 'Tuck Foledo,' it doesn't take a genius to figure that one out.

While the programs have tremendous respect for one another, there isn't much respect on the playing surface, especially among former and current players.

An article on Huskie Wire, a website devoted to Northern Illinois athletics, posted an article in 2010 in which several current players at the time featured their hatred for the Rockets.

"I have a strong dislike for Toledo," former defensive end, Jake Coffman, stated. Former Northern Illinois assistant coach and former interim head coach, Tom Matukewicz, was reportedly extremely bitter towards the Huskies after they defeated the Rockets in 2012 and 2013, following Coach 'Tuke's' departure to become the defensive coordinator at Toledo in 2012.

Bill Baker, who has been the broadcaster for Northern Illinois for over thirty years, also had interesting words, "I'm sure we feel it's a rivalry," Baker was quoted, "But they couldn't care less about us because they've handed it to us over the years." Again, keep in mind this article was posted in 2010, before the Huskies' six-game winning streak.

Northern Illinois broadcaster, Bill Baker, a Hall of Fame
commentator who has been around the match-up for decades.

Let's talk about Mr. Bill Baker, the Hall of Fame broadcaster of the Northern Illinois Huskies. The 2015 match-up between the Huskies and Rockets was obviously extremely intriguing. The Rockets came in undefeated at 7-0 and ranked No. 20 in the country. Broadcasting for WXUT, The University of Toledo's student radio station, we are always posted up next to the visiting team's flagship radio station, or the big-wigs, as we call them. On occasion, especially during commercial break, we can hear those broadcasters on the other side of the glass and their call. Well, following a game closing interception by Northern Illinois to put a cap on a 32-27 win over Toledo at The Glass Bowl, Baker went on to go bananas. In fact, Baker looked at us, the student radio, pointing and shouting: "GOODBYE TOLEDO! GOODBYE TOLEDO! GOODBYE TOLEDO!" Over and over again. Very rarely have we, the student broadcasters for the university, had a bad experience with visiting broadcasters. If nothing else, we're usually at awe of how nice and down-to-earth the commentators are with us. However, Baker showed extreme disrespect, as if the MAC Championship was already won by the Huskies with their win over the Rockets. While I'm not complaining, it's interesting to see Baker's perspective in which is obviously a rivalry to someone who has been such a big part of the meeting.

Northern Illinois marked one of the biggest wins in
program history in The Glass Bowl.
Photo Courtesy: WHIO 

Aside from Baker's call and feelings towards Toledo, I host a sports radio show on WXUT on Sunday nights. Therefore, I wanted to have a Northern Illinois football writer call in to talk about the Huskies and preview the match-up. After reaching out to four different writers, both at different newspapers, and college students, I never received responses. Once again, not a complaint, but bringing awareness to the feelings of Huskie fans and media toward Toledo.

As illustrated, the Northern Illinois students, players, and even media members feel strongly towards Toledo. In fact, several media members that made the haul from Toledo to DeKalb for the meeting between the teams in 2014 reported being treated not poorly, but uniquely, is the way to put it, by the media members in Illinois. Just another fact to backup the rivalry talk, even in the press box.

Obviously, Bowling Green will also be Toledo's biggest rival due to the proximity of the campuses, and being just 25 miles away. However, Bowling Green is in the MAC East, the opposite division of the Rockets. Therefore, the game is important, but doesn't serve up the national attention that Northern Illinois and Toledo have begun to show over the past decade. The saying is that the MAC West runs through DeKalb, Illinois and without a doubt, it does. The Huskies have won the Mid-American Conference a number of times over the past several years, including in 2014.


If you're up for some fun, or bitterness if you're a diehard Toledo fan, search 'Tuck Foledo' on Twitter and enjoy. This phrase and hashtag was going crazy following Northern Illinois' sixth straight win on Nov. 3 against the Rockets. In fact, Northern Illinois freshman long-snapper, Hayden Sak took to Twitter following the victory with a picture of the Husky locker room, featuring the famous hashtag.


To Northern Illinois, their match-up with Toledo has always been seen as a rivalry. However, Rocket fans are beginning to respect the Huskies after the series has tightened up over the past decade. By the way, Northern Illinois head coach, Rod Carey remains undefeated against the Rockets as Toledo head coach Matt Campbell, fell to 0-4 as head coach of the Rockets against their new second rival.

Former Northern Illinois head coach, Jerry Kill, who recently retired from Minnesota due to health concerns, also expressed the importance of the Toledo game with NIU fans: "You're darn right the Toledo game is important to Huskie Nation, there's no doubt about that," Kill was quoted in the Huskie Wire article.

I'll leave you with this via Twitter.

Toledo, it's time to wake up. Yes, Bowling Green is important and is obviously a big rival, but start to pay attention to Northern Illinois. Anytime you logon to a Mid-American Conference blog or website, there's a chatroom containing Huskie fans bashing the Rockets and their team or fans, yet not much fight in return from Toledo. Northern Illinois has always featured deep hatred for the Rockets, and now, due to the six game losing streak and recent prominence of the two programs, it's time to return the favor. The Nov. 3 match-up was a start, due to the 23,000-plus in attendance on a Tuesday night, which shows how important the game was to Toledo fans, but it needs to continue.

Isn't MACtion fun? Rivalries are beginning to grow.



Questions? Comments? Contact Zach on Twitter by clicking here: @ToledoZach

Toledo Attempts to Overcome Northern Illinois

THIS IS A RIVALRY

Ah, Midweek MACtion. Sure, the nation loves to turn on their televisions and see midweek football games, but for the Toledo Rockets, Tuesday night has a whole other meaning. For one week a season, Toledo's rivalry with Bowling Green takes a backseat. Why? Because they take on Northern Illinois.

Toledo head coach, Matt Campbell has been
unable to get passed NIU in his tenure at UT.

For the past five seasons, Toledo has had excitement around their football program. They've had star players, dynamic offenses, and sometimes even national attention. However, each and every year, the Rockets have had their MAC Championship hopes and national spotlight taken by the Huskies. In 2010, the Rockets fell 65-30 in a high scoring MAC showdown. A year later, the Rockets would fall 63-60 to the eventual Mid-American Conference champions. In 2012, it was a 31-24 decision in Northern's favor and a close game until a Kareem Hunt jump pass interception led to a 35-17 win for the Huskies in 2013. Last season, it was Toledo wide receiver, Dwight Macon stepping in to play quarterback due to injuries, where the Huskies would prevail, 27-24.

This season is potentially the most hyped up match-up between Northern Illinois and Toledo in the past decade. Formerly, it was Northern Illinois going into the game with a number next to their name, with the national attention and the Heisman candidate quarterback, Jordan Lynch. However, Toledo, now No. 20 in the country, is receiving the national exposure, especially featuring their Top-15 defense in the entire nation, allowing just 16.3 points per game thus far.

To put things in perspective, in the past six seasons, Toledo is 36-8 overall in the Mid-American Conference. Yet, five of those eight losses have come to none other than the Northern Illinois Huskies. For the Rockets, the season hangs in the balance on Tuesday night. A loss would certainly make the month of November a lot tougher due to the nature of the MAC West.

The Huskies will enter the Glass Bowl on Tuesday night with a 5-3 overall record after losses to Ohio State and Boston College, along with Central Michigan, giving them a 3-1 conference record. Toledo, obviously a perfect 7-0 and 4-0 in the MAC thus far this season, would still have a major chance to make it to Ford Field on December 5 for the conference championship game, but it would make the November 17 match-up at Bowling Green and the November 27 match-up at home against Western Michigan, must wins.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Toledo leads the all-time series with Northern Illinois, 29-13 overall, but as illustrated, the past few years have been rough. However, this season could be drastically different.

1) HOT START - Toledo must get off to a hot start. Despite outscoring opponents 73-0 so far in third quarters this season, it is a must to play well out of the gate. Last week, Toledo trailed UMass on the road, 28-10. Despite coming back to defeat the Minutemen, 51-35, the Rockets played terribly in the first half, which can't happen against a solid and discipline team in Northern Illinois. If Toledo is down at the half, even by a touchdown, it could be tough to comeback, even in the third quarter.

Northern Illinois runningback, Joel Bouagnon will
be a load for the Rocket defense to stop on Tuesday.
Photo Courtesy: Eleven Warriors

2) STOP THE RUN - Toledo's run defense has been incredible all season long. Teams like Arkansas, Kent State, and Ball State, all depended on the run against the Rockets and were all majorly disappointed in the result due to the Rockets' veteran front-seven. Northern Illinois features runningback Joel Bouagnon, who leads the MAC in rushing with 14 touchdowns along with 863 total yards already this season, averaging over 100 yards per contest.

It is crucial for Matt Campbell and the Rocket defense to at least slow down Bouagnon before the play action pass gets rolling for head coach Rod Carey and the Huskies.

Toledo quarterback, Phillip Ely has to get back on track against
Northern Illinois on Tuesday.

3) WIN THE TURNOVER MARGIN - Turnovers. Turnovers. Turnovers. Every coach, no matter the level, wants to take care of the ball. Toledo senior quarterback, Phillip Ely has struggled as of late with interceptions, throwing three in the first half to a sub-par UMass defense. Against Northern Illinois, it will be interesting to watch the turnover margin due to the Huskies' defensive secondary and cornerback, Shawun Lurry, who leads the conference with seven interceptions thus far. Watch for Toledo to take of the ball, especially in tremendous weather. Despite the 8 pm start on November 3rd in Northwest Ohio, it should be nearly 60-degrees at kickoff, so weather won't be an excuse.

PREDICTION

Last week on Twitter, I predicted UMass to give Toledo a run for their money due to the passing nature of their offense. Therefore, my 52-35 Toledo prediction nearly came true as the Rockets pulled out the 51-35 victory.

At kickoff, the temperature should be nearly 60-degrees.
In Northwest Ohio. In November. Pack the Glass Bowl.

Tuesday night, something has to give. Northern Illinois loves to run the ball, Toledo loves to stop the run. Watch for the battle on the ground as well as, as illustrated, turnover margin in the ballgame. A crucial turnover could be the difference, or could it come down to a key special teams play? We've seen crazy endings with special teams lately in college football, so it wouldn't shock me. The past few seasons, Toledo has had some crucial injuries going into the game against Northern Illinois. This season, the Rockets, aside from linebacker Jaylen Coleman, are completely healthy. I'll take the Rockets to FINALLY break this five game losing streak, but it'll be a close one. Toledo is currently an eight point favorite from Las Vegas, but they don't truly respect the Huskies, who gave Ohio State a fight earlier in the season and quite honestly, should have won the game.

Northern Illinois 24 -- No. 20 Toledo 34

Questions? Comments? Interact with Zach on Twitter by clicking here: @ToledoZach