Tyson Veidt and Matt Campbell's friendship, forged over a decade ago at a football camp, has endured through their coaching careers. Now, as Veidt takes on his former colleague as the defensive coordinator for Cincinnati, the two friends find themselves on opposite sides of the field in a crucial Big 12 matchup.

A Friendship Forged on the Gridiron

Chance Encounter Sparks Lasting Bond

Over a decade ago, Tyson Veidt and Matt Campbell's paths crossed at a football camp held at Ohio's Crestview High School, organized by NFL veteran Kory Lichtensteiger. At the time, Veidt was the head coach of Division III Bluffton University, while Campbell had just taken the reins as Toledo's head coach. Though they didn't know it then, this chance encounter would be the start of a tight friendship that would endure for years to come.

Coaching Collaboration and Camaraderie

A few years after that initial meeting, Veidt joined Campbell's staff for his final two seasons at Toledo. When Campbell left for Iowa State in 2016, Veidt followed, spending eight years in Ames as the Cyclones' associate head coach and linebackers coach. During this time, the two coaches developed a deep personal and professional bond, with their families becoming close as well.

Parting Ways, Maintaining Friendship

In January, Veidt left Iowa State to become Cincinnati's defensive coordinator, marking the first time the two friends would coach against one another. Despite the change in teams, their friendship has remained strong, with Campbell acknowledging the significant impact Veidt had on the Cyclones' program during his tenure.

Familiar Foes, Unique Situation

As Veidt prepares to return to Jack Trice Stadium, this time on the opposing sideline, he acknowledges the unique nature of the situation. Having worked closely with the Iowa State coaching staff for over a decade, Veidt has deep relationships with many of the Cyclones' players and coaches. However, his focus remains on preparing his Cincinnati team to compete at the highest level.

Defensive Turnaround in Cincinnati

Under Veidt's leadership, the Cincinnati defense has undergone a remarkable transformation. Last season, the Bearcats were ranked 12th out of 14 teams in the Big 12 for scoring defense, allowing 30.0 points per game. This year, however, Cincinnati has shown immediate improvement, ranking sixth out of 16 conference teams in scoring defense and allowing just 22.2 points per game.

Familiar Foes, Unique Challenges

The familiarity between Veidt and the Iowa State coaching staff presents both opportunities and challenges for both teams. Veidt's intimate knowledge of the Cyclones' offense and defensive tendencies could give Cincinnati an advantage, but the Cyclones are also well-versed in Veidt's coaching philosophy and strategies. As the two teams prepare to face off, it will be a battle of wits and execution, with both sides looking to gain an edge.

Competitive Spirit, Enduring Friendship

Despite the competitive nature of their upcoming matchup, Veidt and Campbell's friendship remains strong. Both coaches acknowledge the unique situation, with Veidt describing it as "another unique part of it." However, their shared passion for the game and deep respect for one another will undoubtedly be on display as they lead their respective teams in a crucial Big 12 showdown.