Penn State is hoping Matt Campbell can restore some optimism in Happy Valley.

Almost two months after firing James Franklin, the Nittany Lions are working toward a deal to bring the Iowa State head coach on board , according to multiple reports on Friday.

Things are far from done, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who notes “there’s multiple steps needed to finalize, including agreeing to terms and formal approval of compensation.”

ead coach Matt Campbell of the Iowa State Cyclones calls a play during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs. Getty Images

It likely ends a 54-day search after Franklin was fired on Oct. 12 following an embarrassing loss to Northwestern, Penn State’s third straight at the time, which cemented its fall from preseason favorite.

Penn State ended its season a

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