University of Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell has the Bearcats in the College Football Playoff, the first time since the CFP’s inception in 2014 that a non-Power Five program has had the opportunity to compete for a national championship. Even before this year’s impressive breakthrough, Fickell was generating interest from the NFL.
As Tom Pelissero of NFL.com writes, the Lions quietly discussed their head coaching vacancy with Fickell last year. Ultimately, of course, Detroit hired Dan Campbell, but given Fickell’s success this season, he is expected to be a more prominent figure in the upcoming NFL coaching cycle.
That is, of course, if he has any interest in leaving the collegiate ranks. Plenty of other successful college coaches have resisted the temptation to jump to the pros, and as Pelissero points out, the money being handed out to top college HCs these days rivals what first-time NFL HCs are earning. So Fickell may elect to remain where he is, especially since he may soon have the chance to parlay his success with Cincinnati into a post at a traditional college powerhouse.
Fickell, 48, has certainly paid his dues. A UDFA of the Saints back in 1997, he never actually played a regular season snap at the NFL level, and in 1999, he became a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Ohio State. After two years as the defensive line coach at Akron, Fickell returned to OSU, where he would remain for the next 15 seasons. He became the Bearcats’ HC in 2017 and has led the team to a 48-14 record.
Next up: a Cotton Bowl showdown with top-ranked Alabama.
Lions HC position a career killer…..
It doesn’t help when they make questionable hires. Campbell was just a poor choice.
I think the jury is still out on that. They’ve been plagued by injuries all season. I think Campbell has done an admirable job considering the roster.
He’s part of the problem. Has no clue about simple rules like trying to do his best imitation of Chris Webber and call timeouts when you can’t.
Jury still out on Campbell?? That is funny. The guy is a clown and has no clue how to be a Head Coach. He fits perfectly with the Lions.
Lions have limited talent and yet they competitive every game. Speaks to the quality of the coaching staff.
Besides, who cares about Fickell? Lions just got their first win! \m/
Lions should go out of the box and hire John Madden.
Mike Zimmer for Lions HC.
Time for Tomlin to go is act is stale
Get someone young and innovative in there
Fickell is the perfect candidate
Why is this even relevant in week 13?
Relevant? Don’t talk about? Relevant?! You kidding me? Relevant? I just hope we can win a game! Another game!