Iowa State soccer’s head coach Matt Fannon announced his plan to retire from coaching following the 2026 soccer season.

Fannon has been with the team for six seasons and will retire following his seventh season.

“Coaching has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Fannon said. “I’m incredibly honored to have worked under a great administration here at ISU, and to have learned so much from Jamie [Pollard].” 

Under Fannon’s leadership, the Cyclones’ best season came in 2023 when the team went 6-11-1. 

Despite seasons filled with injuries, the transfer portal and ranked opponents, Fannon has continued to raise the bar of Iowa State Soccer in varying categories.

The 2025 season saw the program’s best start since 2010 with a 3-0 record.

Prior to Iowa State, Fannon coached for Regis, Wyoming, Wittenberg, and Bowling Green.

Fannon began his coaching career in 2011 with Regis and has seen four head coaching jobs at Wittenberg, Bowling Green and Iowa State. While at Regis and Wyoming, Fannon was an assistant coach.

Over the last 15 years, Fannon has earned eight accolades across two different conferences.

In 2013, Fannon was an NCAC Co-Champion with Wittenberg. 

While with Bowling Green, Fannon was a three-time MAC Coach of the Year (2017-2019) and a two-time MAC champion and Tournament champion in 2018 and 2019.

Fannon and the Cyclones will kick off his farewell season by hosting Minnesota at 6 p.m. Wednesday. 

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and embracing the next chapter,” Fannon said. “I’m grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey, and I’m excited to make this final season one to remember.”