In the wild, wacky world of the college football coaching carousel, you can’t even blink without missing a major move. Just as Iowa State fans were processing the gut punch of losing Matt Campbell, the Cyclones announced they will hire Jimmy Rogers.
That’s right, the guy who just unpacked his boxes at Washington State is already packing them up again. After a single 6-6 season with the Cougars, Rogers is heading back to the Midwest, a place he knows like the back of his hand. It’s a whirlwind move that leaves Washington State searching for its third coach in as many seasons. Ouch.
Who Is Jimmy Rogers?
So, who is the man tasked with filling the massive shoes left by Campbell? Rogers isn’t just some flash in the pan. The 38-year-old is a “rising star,” according to Iowa State AD Jamie Pollard, and his track record screams winner. Before his brief stint in Pullman, he was the king of the FCS world at his alma mater, South Dakota State.
He led the Jackrabbits to a stunning 27-3 record over two seasons, which included a perfect 15-0 run to a national championship in 2023. The guy knows how to build a powerhouse. It seems Pollard has had his eye on him for a while, noting he’d been on his “short-list” for years. Rogers apparently told Pollard ages ago that his dream job was right there in Ames. Talk about speaking it into existence.
What Does Rogers Bring To Iowa State?
Rogers is known for his defensive prowess and a blue-collar work ethic that fits the Cyclone culture perfectly. He was the defensive coordinator for South Dakota State’s first national title run in 2022, crafting one of the most fearsome defenses in FCS history. He’s a Midwest guy through and through, having played linebacker for the Jackrabbits before starting his coaching journey there.
He now takes over an Iowa State program that Campbell elevated from a perennial doormat to a legitimate Big 12 contender. The Cyclones are coming off an 8-4 season and have become regulars in the postseason. Rogers isn’t walking into a rebuild; he’s been handed the keys to a well-oiled machine. The pressure is on, but his history suggests he’s more than ready for the challenge.
For Cyclone fans, it’s a bittersweet moment. Losing a legend like Campbell hurts, but landing a proven winner like Rogers so quickly is the best-case scenario. It is a bold, decisive move that signals Iowa State has no intention of fading back into obscurity. Welcome to Ames, Coach Rogers.
