Soon enough, it seems like things are going to get over the line with Penn State and top head coach target Matt Campbell. After missing out on so many previous candidates, Pat Kraft has gone all-in to poach Campbell from Iowa State and things are at the one yard line.
Penn State is likely hiring another James Franklin and that's not a bad thing
All signs are pointing to this getting done by the end of the weekend. With Campbell potentially on his way to Happy Valley, Penn State supporters are jacked up about the future and they're ready to see Campbell get things back to a high level. Well, let's not get too excited.
That's the message Nick Saban had for the Penn State faithful, as he thinks there's still too much pressure being placed on whoever takes the job:
Nick Saban thinks Matt Campbell can have success at Penn State, but not if the Nittany Lions keep their ‘championship or bust’ mentality:
— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) December 5, 2025
“These places that have, to me, a little bit of unrealistic expectations that we’re going to win the national championship. Only one team… pic.twitter.com/WIkYVjz3f6
Nick Saban gives an eye-opening Penn State take with a Matt Campbell deal expected soon
"To make that sort of the goal (win it all quickly), which is an outcome - we gotta win the championship or we're going to get rid of the coach, to me it's totally wrong," Saban said. "They'll have a hard time doing it if that's the approach that they take. Look, Matt Campbell did a great job at Iowa State because he won more there than most, so that tells you what the potential of the place is and what he'll be able to accomplish. I'm sure he'll be able to do the same thing at Penn State."
If anything, Saban is making it clear that Penn State can't place unrealistic expectations on Campbell if he does indeed leave the Cyclones to take over for James Franklin and Terry Smith at Penn State. Fans are starving for success, but someone like Campbell coming in will need time to get the program back to its former glory days.
Nothing is 100 percent done here yet, but Campbell has Penn State fans thinking that he's going to be the one to wipe away the headaches that have been present for the past few months. Should that happen, Saban will be quick to remind everyone that they've got to be realistic with their expectations for Year 1. Having a CFP or bust mentality won't be right. Demanding him to win it all within a certain amount of time will be even worse.