Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell answers question from the media following the game against the Marshall Thundering Herd at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium.
Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
After pitching a 45-point shutout in their 2026 home debut against Marshall, Penn State is hitting the road in Week 2 of the college football season, traveling southeast to Philadelphia to take on the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field.
Discussing what it's like to take the field that usually belongs to the Philadelphia Eagles for what will likely feel like a home game, first-year head coach Matt Campbell revealed that he and Nick Sirianni are actually good friends and use each other as sounding boards for all things football.
“I was at Bowling Green, so it's a great opportunity, I think, always when you get to bring a football team to play in a professional stadium, and so I know our guys will be excited about that. I think it's been a great sounding board, you know. I think we've gone through some of the same journeys as head football coaches good moments and tough moments, and, to be honest with you, I think the tough moments have probably been when we've been able to grow together because I feel like we paralleled those at the same time and have had to work through some of the same things,” Campbell said.
“But you know, obviously, that relationship, that friendship, and having the ability to have somebody that's kind of going through some of the same journeys has been huge, and so obviously my family, we're really proud of what Nick's accomplished and being from Union, what he's done and how he's done it. I think it's been awesome, and I'm just really grateful that we're now in a place where we can bounce things off each other.”
While Sirianni gets plenty of criticism from fans and foes alike for his lack of playcalling and general energy, it's clear the Eagles head honcho is well liked around the coaching world, as Campbell wouldn't be talking to football minds he doesn't respect. With the Eagles set to take on the Washington Commanders at the Linc a little over 24 hours after Penn State's intrastate showdown, who knows? Maybe the two coaches will have a chance to talk shop Saturday night.
Campbell on talking with Philadelphia Eagles HC Nick Sirianni about playing in Lincoln Financial Field and their relationship: pic.twitter.com/8pl7y8sx3p
— Centre County Report (@CentreCountyRep) September 8, 2026