Iowa State has been in the market for a new offensive coordinator ever since Urban Meyer plucked Tom Herman from ISU's staff to run the Buckeyes' offense prior to the Pinstripe Bowl. The bowl game was Herman's last game calling the plays before heading out to Columbus.

On Wednesday, Paul Rhoads announced he was staying in-house and promoting wide receiver coach, Courtney Messingham, to be the new play caller in Ames. Messingham has been on Rhoads' staff since he took over prior to the 2009 season and coached tight ends his first two season in Ames. He came to Iowa State from Missouri State and also spent three years at Southern Miss and was the head coach at Upper Iowa.

"I am excited about Courtney taking over the reins of the offense," Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads said. "Courtney has coached at every level of college football and has head coach and coordinator experience. He has earned this opportunity through hard work and positive results as a coach and as a recruiter. We have the right man."

I don't know a lot about Messingham other than what is available in his bio.  But, familiarity is a big thing in coaching so it's not all that surprising of a hire.  It also might make hiring other good, young coaches just a bit easier if they know there's a chance to move up at some point.  And the fact that Herman went to a place like Ohio State definitely doesn't hurt the siutation in Ames, either.

As for what the hire means for the actual play calling, that remains to be seen with Messingham having limited experience in that area. On the plus side, however, he will already be knowledgeable with the personnel and will have a good sense of what Rhoads wants done on that side of the ball, two big advantages versus bringing somebody in from the outside.

Rhoads has yet to name a receivers' coach to replace Messingham, but it did say in ISU's press release, there is no timetable on the hire.

Here is a video Iowa State put out with Messingham talking about his role and philosophies while he was the receivers coach.

(H/T to Clones Confidential on the video).