Iowa State's Matt Campbell Held Back From Confronting Fan After Loss to Ohio

Iowa State coach Matt Campbell is under scrutiny following two disappointing seasons. He could be on the proverbial hot seat if his Cyclones finish poorly again.

But Campbell clearly doesn't want to hear any "hot seat" talk from fans, judging by his reaction to postgame heckling from a fan. 

In fairness, Campbell and Iowa State supporters were upset after a 10–7 defeat to Ohio on Saturday. Even worse, the Cyclones lost after a 37-yard field goal was ruled no good despite appearing to clear the uprights.

As the Cyclones headed to the locker room following the loss, Campbell was heckled by a fan yelling, "Hey Campbell, what are you doing? You’re on the hot seat. You’re on the hot seat." 

Campbell turned around toward the fan but was held back from a direct confrontation by security, fellow coaches, and players. 

Iowa State coach Matt Campbell is facing criticism for the Cyclones' recent failures.

Jeffrey Becker/USA TODAY Sports

Going after a vocal fan certainly doesn't look good, especially for a college head coach. Campbell was one of the hottest names in coaching after Iowa State went 9–3 and won the Fiesta Bowl in 2020, even drawing NFL interest. 

Since then, however, the Cyclones have gone 12–15 overall and finished 10th in the Big 12 last season.