Tom Manning - Football Coach - Iowa State University Athletics

Tom Manning

Title:
Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line
Email:
tmanning@iastate.edu
Phone:
515-294-6721

Tom Manning, a teammate with Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell at Mount Union, and member of Campbell’s staff at Toledo from 2012-15, rejoined the Iowa State football staff as offensive coordinator/running game coordinator in 2019. Manning was the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Iowa State from 2016-17 before leaving for a brief stint (2018) with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.

Manning’s return as offensive coordinator has been an enormous success, producing three of the most prolific offenses in the history of Cyclone football. Iowa State broke the school record for total offense (444.3) and had the third-best scoring offense (32.2) in school history in 2019 and followed it up with the second-best scoring offense (32.9) and third-best total offense (436.3) totals in Cyclone history in 2020.

In 2021, the Cyclones recorded the fourth-best scoring average (31.3) and the fifth-best total offense (424.5), respectively, in the history of the program. ISU also ranked second nationally in red zone offense, converting on 47-of-49 trips for a 95.9 pct. clip to help the Cyclones earn their school-record fifth-straight bowl appearance.

Manning’s offense was a perfect fit for two-time consensus All-American running back Breece Hall, who established himself as one of the greatest players in Cyclone history. Hall led the Big 12 in rushing (122.7) for the second-straight season and equaled his school record in points scored (138) to rank second nationally in 2021.

Hall set school career records in scoring (336) and total touchdowns (56), and broke the all-time NCAA FBS record for consecutive games with a rushing touchdown at 24.

Four-time All-Big 12 quarterback Brock Purdy also excelled under Manning’s play-calling. Purdy set or tied 32 school records in his illustrious career and is the school’s winningest quarterback with 30 wins. Purdy’s career totals in total offense (13,347, 7^th), completions (993, 7^th) and passing yards (12,170, 8^th) all rank in the Top 10 in Big 12 history.

Iowa State’s offense was one of the most balanced nationally in 2020, as the Cyclones finished the regular season in first place in the final Big 12 standings, made the Big 12 Championship game and qualified for a New Year’s Six bowl for the first time in school history.

The Cyclones capped off the season with a 34-17 win over Oregon in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.

ISU’s eight conferences wins and nine overall wins eclipsed or tied school records, and the Cyclones earned their highest ranking in school history during the season (#6) and postseason (#9).

Manning’s offensive attack in 2020 averaged 239.5 yards through the air and 195.0 yards on the ground, ranking third in the Big 12 in rushing and breaking the school season mark for rushing touchdowns (31) to rank ninth nationally. ISU had two or more rushing touchdowns in 11 of 12 games played.

Hall, who was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in both 2020 and 2021, led the nation in rushing (1,527) and broke school records in rushing touchdowns (21), total touchdowns (23), multi-TD rush games (8) and consecutive games with a rushing touchdown (12).

Hall was lauded for his performance postseason by becoming Iowa State’s first-ever unanimous All-American and one of three finalists for the Doak Walker Award in 2020.

The Cyclone offense was consistent, gaining over 400 yards of total offense in eight of 12 games and scoring 30+ points in seven of nine Big 12 games for the first time in program history.

The Cyclones also led the league in 3^rd-down conversions (45.3 pct.) and time of possession (33:04), ranking 14^th nationally.

Manning’s work with the Cyclone tight end unit was remarkable, as ISU’s productivity at the position ranked first nationally in receptions (82) and second in the nation in receiving yards (1,057).

All three of his tight ends – Charlie Kolar, Chase Allen, Dylan Soehner – earned All-Big 12 recognition in 2020, including All-America honors for the second-straight season for Kolar, who was one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award.

Kolar, who is ISU’s first-ever three-time All-American and three-time Academic All-American, has the most career receptions (168), career receiving yards (2,181) and career touchdowns (23) by a tight end in school history. He was the winner of the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy, given annually to college football’s top scholar-athlete.

In 2019, The Cyclones averaged the most yards per game in the history of the program at 444.3, breaking a record that stood since 1976 to rank 27^th in the nation. Iowa State was able to do most of its damage in the air with Purdy, who set virtually all of ISU’s season passing marks, including passing yardage (3,982) and passing touchdowns (27), to help the Cyclones break another school record and rank 11^th nationally in passing offense (311.3).

Manning’s offense racked up a school-record 714 yards against ULM and tallied over 400 yards of offense in 10 of 13 games in 2019. The Cyclones also set school marks in the following categories: touchdowns (53), points (418), touchdown passes (29) and first downs (298).

Behind Manning’s balanced attack and work with the running game, Iowa State also established a school record in yards per play (6.45) to rank 17^th nationally.

Manning’s work as an offensive coordinator in his first stint at Iowa State (2016-17) helped Iowa State’s amazing turnaround on the gridiron.

ISU averaged 421.6 yards of total offense in 2016, the seventh-best clip in the ISU record book and established two of the top-four passing offenses in the history of the program (2. 272.9 in 2017; 4. 258.8 in 2016) with Manning calling plays.

In 2017, the offense had five 300-yard passing games with three different quarterbacks, and a 1,000-yard rusher in First-Team All-Big 12 back David Montgomery.

ISU ended the year with an 8-5 record and a victory in the 2017 Liberty Bowl over Memphis, only the fourth bowl win in the history of the program at the time.

Manning’s offense also featured All-Big 12 First Team receiver in Allen Lazard, who ended his career with school records in receptions (241), receiving yards (3,360) and 100-yard receiving games (12) and is currently a member of the Green Bay Packers.

Limiting mistakes was a huge part of ISU’s success in 2017. The Cyclones broke the school record for fewest turnovers in a season with 10, ranking second nationally, and ranked 14^th nationally in fewest penalties per game at 4.38.

Iowa State went nearly the entire season without losing a fumble, tying the FBS record for fewest lost fumbles in a season with only one, which occurred on a controversial call in the final four minutes of the Liberty Bowl.

As the offensive line coach from 2016-17, mentored Jake Campos Second-Team All-Big 12 honors and CoSIDA Academic All-District accolades in 2017. Campos led an offensive line that allowed just 19 sacks during the season, ranking second in the Big 12 and 26^th nationally.

One of Manning’s biggest success stories in his first year in Ames was the development of senior offensive lineman Nick Fett. A former walk-on, Fett had one career start heading into the 2016 campaign. By season’s end, Fett was one of the top linemen in the league, earning Second-Team All-Big 12 accolades.

Manning has coached two 1,000-yard rushers (Montgomery, Hall) and one 1,000-yard receiver (Lazard) in his tenure as the director of the Cyclone offense, and three times in his career (2016, 2019, 2020) he’s been one of 40 semifinalists for the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach.

He made the top-15 for the award in 2020.

Manning was the tight ends coach for the Indianapolis Colts in 2018, helping the Colts advance to the divisional round of the AFC playoffs and a 10-6 record. He was instrumental in tutoring Eric Ebron into a Pro Bowl selection, as Ebron was second on the team in receptions (66) and receiving yards (750).

Ebron also led the team in touchdowns, breaking the Colts’ record for touchdown catches in a season by a tight end with 13.

Manning played a major role in building Toledo’s potent offense from 2012-15, helping shape Rocket offensive lines that have been among the best in the Mid-American Conference.

The Rockets tallied three nine-win seasons and qualified for a trio of bowl appearances in his four seasons at UT.

The 2015 Rocket offensive line had to replace five starters from the season before, but Manning still produced outstanding results. UT was one of just 12 teams in FBS to rank in the nation's top-40 in both passing and rushing, as the Rockets won nine games and advanced to a bowl game. UT allowed just four sacks during the season, ranking second nationally.

Storm Norton thrived under Manning's direction, earning first-team All-MAC honors in 2015 in his first full season as a starter.

Manning was named the 2015 FootballScoop Offensive Line Coach of the Year for his brilliant work with the Rocket line.

In 2014, three Rocket offensive linemen earned All-MAC honors: Greg Mancz, Josh Hendershot and Jeff Myers. Mancz made first-team All-MAC and was named second-team All-America by the Football Writers Association of America. Mancz also became the first lineman in MAC history to win the Vern Smith Leadership Award, presented annually to the league’s top player.

UT led the Mid-American in just about every major offensive category in 2014, including scoring offense (36.6), total offense (490.5) and rushing offense (256.4). The season culminated with a nine-touchdown outburst in a 63-44 victory over Arkansas State in the GoDaddy Bowl, capping a 9-4 season.

In 2013, Toledo led the nation by allowing just six sacks for the entire season. UT’s offense overall ranked No. 4 in the MAC in total offense (447.3 yards/game) and No. 2 in rushing offense (240.6). Toledo had three offensive linemen make All-MAC in 2013: Zac Kerin, Greg Mancz and Jeff Myers.

In 2012, Manning guided an offensive line that helped power the Rockets to the third-ranked offense in the Mid-American Conference (445.2 yards per game) and a 9-4 mark that included a trip to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Junior center Zac Kerin earned first-team All-MAC honors, while sophomore guard Greg Mancz notched third-team honors.

Manning has also received off-the-field recognition for his role as a recruiter when Rivals.com named him one of the nation’s top recruiters among non-BCS schools in 2013.

Manning’s first stint with the Rockets began in 2009 when he was hired as a graduate assistant. He worked with the offense under then-offensive coordinator Matt Campbell’s guidance. Manning next served as UT’s director of football operations for the 2010 season.

Manning went on to coach the offensive line for Mount Union, his alma mater, in 2011. The Purple Raiders went 14-1 and advanced to the Division III national championship game before losing to Wisconsin-Whitewater, 13-10.

Manning returned to UT in December of 2011. He re-joined the staff in time to coach the Rockets’ offensive line at the 2011 Military Bowl.

A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Manning was a two-time all-conference player at Ursuline High School. He made first-team all-state as a senior, leading his school to the Division IV state championship in 2000. He played his college ball at Mount Union, where he was a two-time all-conference player at left tackle. Manning, who was a team captain as a senior, helped his team win NCAA Division III national championships in 2002 and 2005. The Purple Raiders had a 59-3 record during his time on the team.

Manning and Campbell were teammates for one season at Mount Union. Campbell also was Manning’s position coach in his senior season with the Purple Raiders.

Manning began his coaching career as the offensive line coach at Massillon (OH) Jackson High School in 2006. His first job at the collegiate level was at Emory & Henry (VA) College, where he was the offensive line/run-game coordinator from 2007-08.

Manning and his wife Sally have a daughter, Josephine, and a son, Max.

Coaching Experience
2021- Iowa State – Offensive Coordinator
2020 Iowa State – Offensive Coordinator, Tight Ends
2019 Iowa State – Offensive Coordinator, Running Backs
2018 Indianapolis Colts – Tight Ends
2016-17 Iowa State – Offensive Coordinator, Offensive Line
2012-15 Toledo - Offensive Line
2011 Mount Union - Offensive Line
2010 Toledo - Director of Football Operations
2009 Toledo - Graduate Assistant
2007-08 Emory & Henry (VA) College - Offensive Line, Run-Game Coordinator
2006 Massillon (OH) Jackson H.S. - Offensive Line

Mic'd Up With Tom Manning

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