- Aug 11, 2015
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Has anyone gotten more run as an up-and-comer than Matt Campbell? You can’t download a story about a big opening without seeing his name mentioned as a possible candidate. And yet all he does is consistently underachieve at Iowa State.
It’s similar to Kirk Firenze years ago. Or Mullen at MSU or Stoops at KY. He’s done better than you’d expect with less talent in a conference dominated by an elite program or 2. Iowa State is a never-was and never-will-be sort of place.
Developing a decent program in those circumstances is laudable but doesn’t usually translate into elite success at a place like UF, USC, or TX where the potential is high.
It can (Saban), or an elevated coordinator might (Day) or maybe even a position coach (Dabo) or a G5 guy (Meyer) or a retread NFL guy (Carroll). The problem is they are rare. There is no formula. The right guy at the right time in the right place is super tough to align.
Once they have proven themselves, you can’t get ‘em.