DT Luke Fickell (HC Wisconsin Badgers)

[daddyphatsacs]

If I was Luke and felt I was ready, I would absolutely take the job. My only concern is that he hasnt networked enough to build a great staff.

He's got to be offered it, but I agree. Something tells me he could fill a good staff alright. I'm just not sure he's ready to be a HC.

 

[Hodgepodge]

http://www.buckeyextra.com/content/...16-fickell-reportedly-interviews-at-pitt.html

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article in question:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_772504.html

Fickell said he was contacted by Pitt through mutual acquaintances, but he did not describe the conversation as an interview. A formal interview has not been scheduled, he said, and he has not been offered the job.

 

[ORD_Buckeye]

The Pitt job is like the three card monte table of college coaching jobs.

On the surface, it seems so [censored]ing simple: BCS (and now with new and improved conference), rich history of national championships, Tony Dorsett, football crazy city, Dan Marino, that rich Western Penn recruiting ground.

A coach stands back and he watches two, three, or four, or five, or ten guys take their shot at the table. They fail laughably. He, however, is watching them and figuring out what they're doing wrong. He has it figured out...all figured out. It'll be different when he gets up to the table.

Let's hope Luke is the guy who laughs at the dealer and says, "I'm no sucker. Next up?"

 

[ScriptOhio]

If it means anything, he's been out recruiting with Vrabel...

He's not going to quit doing his job while he awaits Pitt's decision...

Currently Fickell is still the Buckeyes head coach through the bowl game. I'd fully expect him to keep doing his job here as long as he is on Ohio State's payroll. If he does accept another position, I'd expect him to effect his departure from Ohio State in a very "classy" manner. He wouldn't interview for another position without the knowledge/permission of Ohio State; (if he accepts another job) he wouldn't skip out of town and have an assistant "text message" his former players, etc.

 

[Diego-Bucks]

I don't know what priorities Luke has for himself and family. If he is supremely dedicated to staying in central Ohio, if he is content with his pay (which is quite substantial), if he and his family are happy where they are etc. etc.

All that being said however, I would absolutely take the HC job at Pitt if I thought I were up for it. Fertile recruiting, going to the ACC, Penn State is down. Its a sweet challenge.

But it might not be what Luke wants. And I personally hope he stays.

 

[buckleaf89]

Count me as one who would be sad to see Coach Fickell go. I can't think of a better Ohio State Buckeye. A can't think of any instance recently of a coach inheriting a tougher situation than the one he was in, and not once did he ever make an excuse.

All that being said, if he decided it was the best choice for he and his family I don't think anyone can hold it against him. Ultimately the man wants to be a big time head football coach and he got a taste of that this year. Pitt is not the greatest job, but it is certainly better than the job Darrell Hazell left for in Kent St.

Hope he stays, but Ohio State will continue to be Ohio State either way.

 

[Coqui]

Think of the opposite...Mark May being hired here to coach the O-Line.

This board would have 1 member left after all the bannings for bashing a staff member.

 

[Thump]

I'd go after Tom Bradley if I was Pitt.

 

[ThirdGenBuckeye]

I'd go after Tom Bradley if I was Pitt.

Tom Bradley coaching at Pitt would be like if Luke went and accepted the HC job at TSUN...almost...

 

[Colvinnl]

They could've selected any other coach on staff, and even (heaven forbid) pull a Michigan and went out on a wild goose chase. You can be fairly sure that once Tressel's "resignation" was even a possibility, the powers-that-be were (at should've been) lining up their ducks...

Exactly, LF was the only (and right) choice.

 

[Abenaki]

If Fickell takes the job, who would be the interim coach for the Bowl? Would they just have Urban coach it?

I hope so, if only to see the complete and utter meltdowns on the Penn State and Michigan boards. Got the coaching waiver so Urban can focus on recruiting, Luke leaves as soon as the dead period starts so Urban can focus on game prep...there's not enough tin foil in the world for all the hats they'd need.

As for the job, I wish Luke the best of luck wherever he goes. I think a few years learning under Urban would be huge for his career. There will be opportunities in 2-3 years after he's had a chance to see how another great coach runs things. I won't blame or begrudge him if he does take the job though, it would be hard to pass on the opportunity to run your own BCS program.

 

[jwinslow]

Would they just have Urban coach it?

An undefeated head coaching record for Bollman would be pretty enjoyable.

 

[NastyNatiBuck]

Tom Bradley coaching at Pitt would be like if Luke went and accepted the HC job at TSUN...almost...

If OSU and TSUN never played each other.

 

[POJO_Risin]

i noticed that small tidbit that Fickell hadn't actually been interviewed, but, I do question WHEN that question was posed to LF...and I think it's highly likely that he DID, in fact, interview yesterday, with Meyer, Fickell and Vrabel in PA to see the State Title game just a short skip and a jump away.

My bet here is that Meyer nabbed Weathers from UNC knowing that after his discussion to keep Fickell on board, the classy interim head coach said that he really wanted to look for a head coaching job somewhere if it became available. While I'm not sure if Weathers is coming in as a co-defensive coordinator, it sure seems likely. Regardless, Meyer had to know that this possibility was out there...as Fickell has absolutely heralded in coaching circles after his performance this year.

tOSU would take a hit with his loss with regards to recruiting, and it can't be understated what he's done here as a recruiter...especially in the Pittsburgh/Pennsylvania area.

It would be interesting to see if he DID take that job, if some recruits would then start sniffing Pitt...and no doubt, he would ravage the rest of that Penn St. class...

I'm sure Meyer would recover nicely though.

Chryst interviewing today for the Pitt job, and while it's widely acknowledged that he's not exactly Mr. Personality, he was high on Pitt's list last year, and would have to be considered the front-runner there.

 

[Buckeye513]

My bet here is that Meyer nabbed Weathers from UNC knowing that after his discussion to keep Fickell on board, the classy interim head coach said that he really wanted to look for a head coaching job somewhere if it became available.

You'd think he would've relayed this information to Mike Stoops if that was the case.