Dec 10, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; University of Cincinnati new head football coach Luke Fickell speaks during a press conference in the Lindner Center on the UC campus. Fickell comes to Cincinnati from a defensive coordinator position at Ohio State University. Photo Credit: Sam Greene/The Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK
The Cincinnati Bearcats have hired Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell as their next head coach.
Fickell and the school reached an agreement late Friday night.
Fickell, 43, will replace Tommy Tuberville, who resigned last Sunday after going 4-8 in his fourth season and 29-22 overall at Cincinnati.
Fickell interviewed with Cincinnati athletic director Mike Bohn on Thursday, according to ESPN.
Fickell, a Columbus native and former Ohio State defensive lineman, has coached at his alma mater since 2002. He also coaches the linebackers.
Fickell was Ohio State’s interim head coach during the 2011 season following the resignation of Jim Tressel amid an NCAA investigation. Ohio State went 6-7 that season and then hired Urban Meyer as coach.
No. 3 Ohio State will meet No. 2 Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl and it is not yet known whether Fickell will remain with the Buckeyes for the Dec. 31 game.
