NY Jets: Matt Campbell mentioned as a strong possibility for Gang Green

Iowa State’s Matt Campbell was mentioned as a possible candidate for the NY Jets job.

The NY Jets promised to leave no stone left unturned in their search for a new head coach this offseason. And the latest name the team has reportedly been connected to is Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell.

Campbell is a fan-favorite among many Jets fans and has long been tied to rumors with the Jets organization. The latest one seems to indicate that there is some legitimate mutual interest from both sides.

Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle appeared on the Houston radio program “The A-Team with Wexler & Clanton” on Friday to discuss the ongoing saga between Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans.

But toward the end of his appearance, Wilson dropped a few hints about where three possible head coaching candidates could be landing. One of them was Campbell who he strongly hinted at as a serious possibility for the Jets.

Wilson was discussing Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and how his poor interviews could ultimately cost him a job. The conversation comes up around the 1:47:00 mark of the podcast.

“I’m hearing for the Jets, Matt Campbell. I’m hearing a lot about Arthur Smith with Atlanta. [Brian] Daboll with the Chargers is a possibility. And that leaves a couple of openings.”

The important takeaway for Jets fans there is the mention of Campbell in association with New York’s head coach opening.

The Jets were rumored to be interested in Campbell two years ago, but the Iowa State coach reportedly declined to interview with the team, instead opting to stay in Ames. But two years later, things might be different.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said that Campbell was a “name to watch” for the Jets’ job last week and there have been rumblings that general manager Joe Douglas could be looking to add a “CEO-type” head coach this offseason.

The NY Jets should definitely be interested in Matt Campbell

Campbell certainly fits that bill and his success at Iowa State is undeniable. A three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year (in only five seasons), Campbell has managed to transform the Iowa State football program from a laughing stock to a regular contender.

In 2020, his Cyclones finished first in the Big 12 and were ranked as high as eighth in the nation at a point. The highest the school had ever been ranked in its 126-year history.

Prior to Campbell, Iowa State had finished with a winning record just once in the past decade. But since his hiring, they’ve done so four out of five years with the only exception coming with his first year there.

Campbell is everything the Jets are looking for in a coach and more, and if the rumored interest is legitimate, there will be plenty of happy Jets fans out there.

Of course, the coaching search is still in its early stages and there will be plenty more rumors to come. But for now, this is one possibility to get excited about.