(Duplicate) Defensive Coordinator Luke Fickell (official thread)

[Rene Descartes]

Short sided thinking.

Oui. Nous avons le "autobus court" en le France, aussi.

 

[Zurp]

It's a shame that Luke Fickell is being judged on the one season Ohio State DESPERATELY needs a quarterback who can stand in the fire. Pryor is already blamed in the firing of Tressel and Rodriguez. Is he also going to be the cause of Fickell's firing?

Also, I don't get this desire to hire a big-name head coach. Woody Hayes was not a big-name head coach. Earle Bruce was not a big-name head coach (from what I understand - correct me if I'm wrong). Jim Tressel was not a big-name head coach.

John Cooper was a big-name head coach (kinda sorta).

My point is that the name shouldn't be the big deal. The big deal should be about the right fit. If the right fit is a big-name head coach, then cool. If not, then let's not try to force the square peg in the round hole.

 

[Outstanding]

It's a shame that Luke Fickell is being judged on the one season Ohio State DESPERATELY needs a quarterback who can stand in the fire. Pryor is already blamed in the firing of Tressel and Rodriguez. Is he also going to be the cause of Fickell's firing?

Also, I don't get this desire to hire a big-name head coach. Woody Hayes was not a big-name head coach. Earle Bruce was not a big-name head coach (from what I understand - correct me if I'm wrong). Jim Tressel was not a big-name head coach.

John Cooper was a big-name head coach (kinda sorta).

My point is that the name shouldn't be the big deal. The big deal should be about the right fit. If the right fit is a big-name head coach, then cool. If not, then let's not try to force the square peg in the round hole.

Recruitng is a different world now than 10 years ago, 50 years ago etc. Either way a coach has to coach.

 

[Mrstickball]

I love Coach Fickell as a person, and his defensive philosophy.

If the problems are entirely from the situation surrounding him, or his own imperfections, I do not know. What I do know is that I have not seen anything positive from this regime, 5 games in that shows development or improvement of this team.

After MSU, I can not say with definition that the team has improved on offense or defense. 5 games into the season, freshmen should be maturating and showing an improvement. For this, it does make one question if we have the right HC for the job. If this is the case, I do not blame Luke, because he *is* a very young coach, and lacks the experience needed to ride such a turbulent storm.

I just hope that these kinds of issues do not blacklist him in the future from opportunities, because he does seem to have notable character, and is trying. I wish the best for him, but I also wish the best for Ohio State, and this may not mix... Although I hope it does.

 

[kanton]

From the beginning I've been a big fan of Coach Fickell and was looking forward to him being the coach at OSU for a very long time. After examing the season so far I no longer feel this way. Unless Gene Smith has mandated that Luke focus on defense and stay out of Bollman's way on offense there is no way you can say he's ready to be the head coach at OSU. With the exception of the Akron game we've seen the same flaws in the offensive strategy and play calling week after week. I know offense isn't Coach Fickell's forte but he's got to see what's going on and as the man step in and say enough is enough. Even if he doesn't know all the plays and the intricacies of the offense he can still go to Bollman and say I want 3 step drops and quick timing routes, passes out of the backfield, deep passes only off of play action and enough with the predictable play calling based on down and distance and enough with the routes and plays that take forever to develope. It's his right and his job as head coach to demand that changes be made.

Of course he's been cast into a nearly impossible situation. There are so many things working against him that are out of his hands. If you look at the circumstances surrounding each position, it's the perfect storm working against Coach Fickell and OSU:

QB- When Pryor became the man as a freshman it pretty much ensured that we wouldn't be receiving a committment from a top notch QB recruit for the next 2-3 years. Of all the positions that want early PT QB has got to be #1. Who was going to come in and stand in Pryor's shadow for 2-3 seasons? We almost had Taj Boyd but unfortunately that didn't work out. Instead we were forced to settle on prospects that were more projects. Not a big deal unless your QB coach was a high school backup and an equipment manager in college.

RB- No real lack of talent or problem here. If our current WRs really have trouble getting open quick off the line I don't know why we don't see more of Hall and Berry split out. It seems that they have the quicks and strength that would allow Braxton more comfort with quick timing routes. Would love to see Hall and Berry in the slots w/ Hyde and Boren in the backfield.

WR- First, Duron Carter...enough said. Second, our leading returning receiver (Posey) is suspended for the beginning of the year. Third, our second leading returning receiver (Philly) is out with injury. James Jackson transfers, 2 freshman seeing significant playing time, 2 others who are really still learning the position (TY and Reed). Of all the positions out there this is the one that has been most decimated.

OL- Until the MSU game I was actually really pleased with how the OL had played and that's with an All Big 10 performer on suspension. When Hall comes back from suspension I would love to see Adams back at LT, slide Norwell to RT, and move Shugarts to guard where he's less likely to get abused by speed rushers off the edge. Of course I have the same complaints that most do regarding the recruiting and development of our OL.

DL- Not having Nathan Williams hurts but all and all the DL, particularily John Simon, have played lights out.

LB- This position is maybe the one that I've been most disappointed with. I suppose I've come to expect a lot but they just haven't been up to OSU standards. We only have 9 scholarship LBs on the roster and that counts McVey who doesn't appear to be healthy and Crowell who isn't healthy. How nice would it be to have Jordan Hicks and Trey DePriest on the roster right about now? Losing Price from the frosh class hurts probably hurts a little. Not having Dorian Bell work out probably hurts a lot.

DB- I think they've been solid. They've made some mistakes that you'd expect from youngsters but nothing that's crippled the team.

So look at that- Pryor's unexpected departure left QBs who have either been underdeveloped (Graham, Guiton) or who have no experience (Miller). Our receiving corp has been desimated for various reasons. Our OL is what's been for the past 10 years. Our LB corps is undermanned compared to years past. Nathan Williams is a difference maker and he's been hurt. Tress left a cronie offfensive coaching staff that has underperformed in every component of coaching (recruiting, development, game planning and execution.) I think most knew that there would be a hole in the offense when we unexpectedly lost Tressel but I don't think any of us imagined it would be this deep. Fickell has just been dealt a bum hand. I'm optimistic about Fickell's future as a coach but unless his hand's have been tied by Gene I just don't think that it's his time at OSU, yet.

Who knows though. Maybe getting Herron, Posey, Philly, Adams, and Williams back gives this team a spark. Maybe Luke gives Bollman and the O staff a kick in the ass this week. Maybe we run through the Leaders (or whatever the f it's called) division and we earn a berth in the Big 10 Championship Game. It would take the perfect storm but it could still happen and that's what I'll be pulling for.

 

[bassbuckeye07]

set up to fail

 

[osugrad21]

Choice is Fick as a leader of the program.

Not the O.

Not the D.

I mentioned Dabo Swinney earlier...he fired Rob Spence (OC) and most of the defensive staff at the end of his half interim year. Hired Kevin Steele to call the D...great hire. Gave Billy Napier a shot at OC...didn't get it done. Swinney was on the very very hot seat.

Had to fire his great friend and hired Chad Morris as OC.

Now Clemson is on fire and Swinney is a Savior for now.

Is Luke the leader of the program that simply needs HIS people calling the shots?

If he is given a shot, I see wholesale changes on the offensive side obviously.

Is he proving he is worth that shot?

There is your question.

 

[MaxBuck]

Honestly, I think Coach Fickell will be a fine head coach. Just not now, at Ohio State. And it's not an indictment of him; trying to coach this particular team is a lot like trying to do brain surgery in a hurricane.

IMO it would benefit Luke to be able to distance himself from this mess and get a fresh start somewhere else, without the dysfunctionality. Right now this team is a mess, and I'd hate to see Fickell ruined by it.

 

[AuTX Buckeye]

I know that people have talked about and even Fickell admitted not knowing much about the offense but I was thinking about this (I know its dangerous territory) and here's what I've come with that bothers me. As Co-DC & LB Coach, Fickell probably watched alot of game film on the opposing teams offense right? He had to see ok they are in this formation so we'll attack with this play, etc, etc. He might not know all the terminology, where the guys line up or who's the best guy to run that particular play, but I HAVE to believe he sees 8 or 9 guys in the box for the opposing team, "Ok they are loading up the box to stop the run/blitz, what would the teams we've played in the past do on offense in this case". I'm starting to believe the whole I don't know much about offense is being used a crutch, I think he knows plenty, he just might lack the confidence to step in on the offensive side of the ball. Bottom line, and I think we've all said this, this is Tressel's staff/team, not Luke Fickell's. It needs to be Luke's in a hurry.

I wish him the best of luck.

 

[kn1f3party]

I know that people have talked about and even Fickell admitted not knowing much about the offense but I was thinking about this (I know its dangerous territory) and here's what I've come with that bothers me. As Co-DC & LB Coach, Fickell probably watched alot of game film on the opposing teams offense right? He had to see ok they are in this formation so we'll attack with this play, etc, etc. He might not know all the terminology, where the guys line up or who's the best guy to run that particular play, but I HAVE to believe he sees 8 or 9 guys in the box for the opposing team, "Ok they are loading up the box to stop the run/blitz, what would the teams we've played in the past do on offense in this case". I'm starting to believe the whole I don't know much about offense is being used a crutch, I think he knows plenty, he just might lack the confidence to step in on the offensive side of the ball. Bottom line, and I think we've all said this, this is Tressel's staff/team, not Luke Fickell's. It needs to be Luke's in a hurry.

I wish him the best of luck.

I have no doubt he knows more than he lets on. I just think he is ... wait for it ... intimidated by all of these veterans and unwilling to drop the hammer on them.

 

[osugrad21]

I just think he is ... wait for it ... intimidated by all of these veterans and unwilling to drop the hammer on them.

Disagree. I don't think he has the authority to make said changes right now...

He could likely change roles (playcalling) but who would replace the current?

Until LF is given the authority to get his people on that side, he is a lame duck.

 

[BrutusBobcat]

He could likely change roles (playcalling) but who would replace the current?

This.

I am pretty sure that the only other person on the staff with any offensive play calling experience other than Bollman is Dick Tressel; Heacock might also, since he was once a HC as well, but that's obviously not an option.

If Hazell doesn't leave to go to Kent State, this is a completely different situation, but that's not where we are now.

 

[GomerBucks]

It hurts to say this as I worked for these coaches, but I do not believe many if any of the current staff will still be there going into next year. I do not envision any of the current offensive coaches will still be on board once this season ends. I have the world of respect for them, but I can't see how they would be able to stay based on the first few games this year...

 

[Mac]

Disagree. I don't think he has the authority to make said changes right now...

He could likely change roles (playcalling) but who would replace the current?

Until LF is given the authority to get his people on that side, he is a lame duck.

And guess what, there's a 99.9999% chance he won't get that authority.

 

[MaxBuck]

LF ... is a lame duck.

So you think he's a "lame duck?" That seems optimistic.