Boston College Football Coaching Candidate: Luke Fickell
Boston College fired head coach Steve Addazio yesterday after seven seasons on the Heights. As the coaching search commences, we will give profiles of many of the known candidates that could become the next head coach of the Eagles. To start off the series, let's head to Cincinnati, and their head coach Luke Fickell.
Name: Luke Fickell
Age: 46
Born and Raised: In Ohio
Playing Career: Ohio State linebacker
Previous Experience: Various position coaching positions, and co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State (2002-2016), head coach Cincinnati (2016-present)
Connections to Boston College: worked with current Boston College Athletic Director Martin Jarmond at Ohio State
Pros: If Boston College wants to bring in an experienced head coach, Fickell would check off that box. Last season the Bearcats went 11-2 before heading to the Military Bowl where they defeated Virginia Tech, and finished the season ranked. This season the Bearcats were ranked again before losing to Memphis on 11/24. He brings a defensive minded gameplan to his teams, they ranked 11th in total defense last year, and 50th this year. Ohio was once a recruiting hot bed for the Eagles, but fell off under Addazio who didn't seem to put much emphasis on the are. Hiring Fickell would get BC's flag planted back in the recruiting hotbed.
Cons: If the Eagles want to upgrade the offense and put an emphasis on the passing game, Fickell would probably wouldn't be the wisest choice. This season his team finished 106th in passing yards, one spot above the Eagles, and last year they finished 76th just slightly above Boston College. He is certainly a flashy hire, who is building a solid resume, but it might be hard to sell a coach that has the same struggles Steve Addazio had.
Other Factors: Would Luke Fickell really want to leave a program that is in pretty good shape and that he has going in the right direction? He could be in high demand, would he rather wait for a marquis midwest program to open up like Michigan State or Nebraska?
Odds of becoming next BC Head Coach: 4/1
Editor and publisher of BC Bulletin. '06 graduate of Boston College, who has followed the program as long as he can remember. Has been covering the Eagles for the past nine years, giving expert analysis, recruiting news and breakdowns. Also the host of Locked on Boston College, a daily BC podcast that is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. When he is not writing or producing content on the Eagles, he can be found running, skiing, enjoying craft beers, or spending time with his family. You can follow AJ Black on Twitter @AJBlack_BC and our official site Twitter account is @BulletinBC