DT Luke Fickell (HC Wisconsin Badgers)

[NFBuck]

You say he didnt "earn it". I call BS. I dont see the Ohio State Athletic Dept calling up BuckeyePlanet message board for their next head coach. I saw them look into their own pool to see who has what it takes to lead the Buckeyes.

Honestly, how did he "earn" a major BCS job? Seriously, I'm trying to understand your line of thinking. And, who else could they have picked given the circumstances? Bollman? Heacock? Heacock is over 60 years old and likely close to retirement. Luke was the only choice and was given a shot to get a chance to be considered for the full time job. There are reasons programs appoint "interim" coaches. This was a prime example. Tell me how a guy who was never even a coordinator earned this job. Further, tell me what you've seen this season that tells you he deserves to get this job full time. Your wording makes it sound like this job is his right.

Seems to me nobody will look at what Fickell has to offer. They want to talk about what he didnt earn, or what he cant do and didnt do so far.

What does he have to offer besides one season where his team has looked sloppy and uninspired against opponents they should beat easily? As for your second sentence, isn't that a big part of an audition? Especially when he's shown very little positive this season? Fact is, we're one back yard heave from being a .500 team right now.

 

[SEREbuckeye]

Exactly. People act as if Luke deserves this job. Nothing on his resume indicates he deserved even a mid-level BCS job. He was given the gift of an audition, and given how this team is performing, I can't see how he's earned it. This job is not his birthright. He got a chance to earn another look. I don't think he's earned it...especially given the team's performance the past couple of weeks.


I looked at your "stats". They mean nothing. Again, JT and Cooper were coaches elsewhere. JT won 4 titles and played for more. Fickell was an assistant DC. He doesn't even have coordinator experience. I don't understand what world that earns you one of the top-5 coaching jobs in America.


So, we should settle for an unproven coach with a shoddy audition? If this job has been devalued that much, Ohio State is in trouble. scUM is coming off the DickRod debacle. We all say they "settled" for Hoke, but as more comes out, it appears Hoke was pizza man's top choice. USC had MAJOR sanctions looming over them. Auburn was a fringe top-25 job, so not sure how they fit in this discussion. Muschamp has looked pretty bad, but he was considered a very hot coaching prospect and was a very successful DC for a number of years.


So, because Tressel is gone, we should settle for a fringe coaching candidate? Luke was/is qualified for MAC jobs. Not a top-5 job in America. If tOSU gets absolutely hammered (and nobody "in the know" seems to think they are), then you refocus your expectations. Even then, I can't fathom settling for a coach that has a team regressing as badly as they are in November. Luke got a shot that, lets be honest, he hadn't earned. He had a chance to earn it this year and I can't see how anybody can say he has.

Im sorry you feel the way you do about Luke. I would say his tenure as an assistant and dedication to being a BUckeye in all aspect has "earned" him the job. Maybe you will get the prolific HC you are looking for, but at the same time there is no reason to bring down what Luke has done so far as we could have been MUCH worse this season.

The players regressing in November are just as much a problem of the players themselves as it is the coaching.

 

[NFBuck]

Im sorry you feel the way you do about Luke. I would say his tenure as an assistant and dedication to being a BUckeye in all aspect has "earned" him the job. Maybe you will get the prolific HC you are looking for, but at the same time there is no reason to bring down what Luke has done so far as we could have been MUCH worse this season.

I have tremendous respect for Luke. I think he may, someday, be a very good HC. I'm sorry that things haven't gone better this season. So don't try to passive aggressively act like I don't "like" the guy. I just don't think tOSU is the place to cut your teeth as a HC. I think Ohio State has "earned" more than a rookie HC, who given the opportunity, hasn't shown he's ready to get this program back on track. I'm also not "bringing down" Luke. I'm giving an honest assessment of his abilities as a HC and qualifications as the Head Coach of Ohio State.

I would say his tenure as an assistant and dedication to being a BUckeye in all aspect has "earned" him the job

Okay, then why not Bollman? Why not Haynes? Why not Taver Johnson. Why not bring Hazell back? Why does any program go outside their loyal assistants to hire somebody when they need a new HC? That's some pretty loose criteria.

we could have been MUCH worse this season.

Well, there's a ringing endorsement.

The players regressing in November are just as much a problem of the players themselves as it is the coaching.

Okay then, what exactly is the HC's job then?

 

[SEREbuckeye]

BTW, its funny that people on here feel Fickell should be coaching at a lower end MAC school, which by the way is at least Division 1.

However, I remember us opening our arms to a man that was had controversy and a solid winning record at a Division 2 school - not MAC, WAC, Big East, or even ACC. How did Tressel "earn" the right to go from D2 to a TOP 25 program?

Makes sense to me.

 

[Buckeye513]

I would say his tenure as an assistant and dedication to being a BUckeye in all aspect has "earned" him the job.

Let me know when another major program (read: Ohio State's national competition) hires a guy for being a good sport.

 

[Mrstickball]

Okay, we try to discuss things with words but the other side wont objectively look at it. Now I bring up stats and you wont objectively look at it...

Apparently you expect Ohio State coaches to be on the same track as Tressel was. Im sorry to burst your bubble but just like Florida, Auburn, USC, and Michigan we are no different in having down years with new coaches and changes in students.

Discounting era's when comparing coaches is a bit of a slight. You have to look at the past to understand the future.

Bottom line is that we have to take down our sunglasses and stop hanging on the production of Tressel. He is gone, there will not likely be years like we had in the 2000's for quit some time. Got to get over it and understand our current role and expectations.

Here's the issue: There is no way to tell what kind of future Luke has as the HC of THE Ohio State Buckeyes.

Is it possible that he progresses significantly from his first year into being an incredible coach? Absolutely.

But look at the history of internal hirings once golden age coaches left their respective programs. One merely has to bring up the likes of Bob Davie, Ted Roof, and Frank Solich who were promoted from within (or within arms length in the case of John Blake at Oklahoma) to know that the transition from coordinator to head coach can be very shaky.

That is why some Buckeye fans worry. No one wants to hate on Luke, but we have to continue to ask the question if he is truly ready for prime time or not.

 

[NFBuck]

BTW, its funny that people on here feel Fickell should be coaching at a lower end MAC school, which by the way is at least Division 1.

Geeze. Where do most MAC schools get their coaches? You gotta try harder, seriously.

However, I remember us opening our arms to a man that was had controversy and a solid winning record at a Division 2 school - not MAC, WAC, Big East, or even ACC. How did Tressel "earn" the right to go from D2 to a TOP 25 program?

You cannot be serious. The man won 4 titles, played for more, and ran an athletic department. Not to mention serious ties around the state. They also tried other names first, so it really couldn't be more different. And, tOSU wasn't the first major program look at JT. Da U came calling at one point as well.

Makes sense to me.

It really doesn't.

 

[SEREbuckeye]

I have tremendous respect for Luke. I think he may, someday, be a very good HC. I'm sorry that things haven't gone better this season. So don't try to passive aggressively act like I don't "like" the guy. I just don't think tOSU is the place to cut your teeth as a HC. I think Ohio State has "earned" more than a rookie HC, who given the opportunity, hasn't shown he's ready to get this program back on track. I'm also not "bringing down" Luke. I'm giving an honest assessment of his abilities as a HC and qualifications as the Head Coach of Ohio State.

Okay, then why not Bollman? Why not Haynes? Why not Taver Johnson. Why not bring Hazell back? Why does any program go outside their loyal assistants to hire somebody when they need a new HC? That's some pretty loose criteria.

Okay then, what exactly is the HC's job then?

Look man, just like you I am merely a fan. Just like you neither of us have a tie to the University that can really get the answers we need. We are on simply a message board discussing how we feel about Coach Fickell. Maybe its just my military background that makes me trust the organization I love as well as any head position they put in front of us. Im used to change in leadership, constant learning curves, new faults and successes, and the ability to just go with it and understand that sometimes paying your dues by time in and being at the right place in the right time is just justice enough for a reason.

I dont need to question all aspects, Im sorry but unlike you I try to find the good in what we have done so far. We have 4 losses big deal its his first year bro - hes human and theres a lot going on at the university. Sorry you can not understand the humanistic approach to all the behind-the-scene objectives with this position right now, but I do.

Again, maybe for your sake you get the next Meyer or Mack Brown, but until then just enjoy what he does have to offer - Buckeye pride and passion, a love for the game and the university.

 

[SEREbuckeye]

Geeze. Where do most MAC schools get their coaches? You gotta try harder, seriously.


You cannot be serious. The man won 4 titles, played for more, and ran an athletic department. Not to mention serious ties around the state. They also tried other names first, so it really couldn't be more different. And, tOSU wasn't the first major program look at JT. Da U came calling at one point as well.


It really doesn't.

Wow, talking logic with you at any way is hard. You fail to see any other side in the matter - Im sorry thats the way you are.

 

[NFBuck]

I dont need to question all aspects, Im sorry but unlike you I try to find the good in what we have done so far. We have 4 losses big deal its his first year bro - hes human and theres a lot going on at the university.

I don't just look at the bad, but feel free to show me the good from this season aside from one back-yard football play. And only looking at the good? That's a little myopic for filling a position that could shape the direction of your program for the next 10+ years. He absoltely is human, and humans aren't typically handed jobs they don't appear capable of handling.

Sorry you can not understand the humanistic approach to all the behind-the-scene objectives with this position right now, but I do.

Try being a little more condescending next time.

Again, maybe for your sake you get the next Meyer or Mack Brown

Mack brown?

but until then just enjoy what he does have to offer - Buckeye pride and passion, a love for the game and the university.

If pride and passion were a qualification, we have about 10 million candidates. Good luck with that search.

 

[NFBuck]

Wow, talking logic with you at any way is hard. You fail to see any other side in the matter - Im sorry thats the way you are.

Show me some logic, please. I'll wait. What do you have other than he's a "great Buckeye"?

I have a 6-4 record, a team regressing as the season goes on. I have questionable coaching from the top-down in several games. I have his resume. You appear to have "he's a great guy".

 

[SEREbuckeye]

That's a little myopic for filling a position that could shape the direction of your program for the next 10+ years. He absoltely is human, and humans aren't typically handed jobs they don't appear capable of handling.

Were talking about a college football coaching position, not the next president.

Ive brought facts along with my opinions. You have brought just your opinions and are just too stubborn to do this back-and-forth thing with. You seem to be the type to not see any good. I woulod show you the growth in first year players but you seem to be the type of person that would praise the players for their successes and blame the coaches for any weekly setbacks....Again, maybe you will learn on your own to see the good, read the good press clippings and learn to understand and support him. I dont think I need to waste my time battling a losing argument.

 

[NFBuck]

Were talking about a college football coaching position, not the next president.

Again, I'm thankful you're not a part of the coaching search.

Ive brought facts along with my opinions

Show me your "facts" again.

You have brought just your opinions and are just too stubborn to do this back-and-forth thing with.

I've qualified what I say as my opinion. You claim facts. Show me these facts again. Also, maybe I'm stubborn, but here's the thing, you're just as stubborn in the other direction, so you can remove your halo.

You seem to be the type to not see any good.

I think Luke's a great Buckeye and has tried his best. I don't think he's done so great as a HC at tOSU. That's my opinion.

I woulod show you the growth in first year players but you seem to be the type of person that would praise the players for their successes and blame the coaches for any weekly setbacks...

So, because a couple players have progressed, but the team, as a whole, is slumping against mediocre competition. In what world does that earn somebody a premier job?

Again, maybe you will learn on your own to see the good, read the good press clippings and learn to understand and support him. I dont think I need to waste my time battling a losing argument.

That's almost condescending enough, just not quite.

Clearly we have different standards for our school. I'll just leave it at that.

 

[GeorgiaBuck2]

:bicker:

:tongue2:

 

[ant80]

p.s. Woody and this era of football aren't compatible, so comparisons with him don't make a lot of sense. He would've been fired for multiple reasons if he were hired today, and his record would not have been the main one.

How is that? Can you elaborate on that? What are the other reasons, apart from his record, weighing against Fickell? He's definitely done a good job recruiting, recruiting for the school and not just for himself.