COLUMBUS – Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell has accepted a six-year deal to serve as head coach at Cincinnati. The contract is pending approval by the board of trustees.
The former Buckeyes defensive lineman has been an assistant at Ohio State since 2002 and served as head coach in 2011, going 6-7 following Jim Tressel’s dismissal before that season.
“Today is a proud day for Ohio State and Buckeye Nation with the news of Luke Fickell becoming head coach at the University of Cincinnati. Few have invested as much time and effort and passion into Ohio State and its football program than Luke. We all knew this day was coming. Now that it is upon us, I want to thank Luke for being such a terrific coach, mentor and person. And I wish him, Amy and their young family all the best as they begin this new journey.” -Statement from OSU head coach Urban Meyer
Fickell will remain with the Buckeyes through the college football playoffs.