CINCINNATI (WCMH) — Ohio State University co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell is headed to the University of Cincinnati as the Bearcats’ new head coach.
UC made the announcement Saturday on Facebook and Twitter.
A Cincinnati reporter says Fickell will remain with the Buckeyes through this year’s playoff run.
Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer congratulated the 43-year-old Fickell on Twitter, and released a statement later Saturday:
“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.”
Fickell is a 1997 OSU grad and has been on the coaching staff since 2002, according to the university. He took over as interim head coach for a time in 2011.
Buckeyes assistant coach Kerry Coombs was rumored to join Fickell, several sources say. Coombs currently coaches the Buckeyes’ cornerbacks and coordinates special teams.
Coombs sent out a statement on Twitter Saturday night about the “speculation and misrepresentation” about his future career, and said he was looking ahead to the Buckeyes’ next games.
Meyer said Coombs is going to have an expanded role in the Buckeyes’ defense in the future.
Bearcats head coach Tommy Tuberville stepped down last week. He posted a 29-22 record over four years at the helm.