Career Timeline of Luke Fickell: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Luke Fickell built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Luke Fickell is an American college football coach, currently the head coach at the University of Wisconsin–Madison since 2023. Before Wisconsin, he was the head coach at the University of Cincinnati (2016-2022). Fickell's background includes playing as a nose guard for Ohio State University (1993-1996) and later serving as an assistant coach for the Buckeyes. He also served as the interim head coach at Ohio State for the entire 2011 season, marking a significant point in his early coaching career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1992: Redshirting for the Buckeyes

In 1992, Luke Fickell spent the year redshirting for the Buckeyes

1993: Started Consecutive Starts at Nose Guard Position

In 1993, Luke Fickell began his record of 50 consecutive starts at the nose guard position for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

1996: Finished Consecutive Starts at Nose Guard Position

In 1996, Luke Fickell concluded his impressive streak of 50 consecutive starts at the nose guard position for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

1997: Graduated from Ohio State and Signed with the New Orleans Saints

In 1997, Luke Fickell graduated from Ohio State and signed as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints of the NFL.

1999: Graduate Assistant at Ohio State

In 1999, Luke Fickell served as a graduate assistant at Ohio State, adding to his coaching experience.

2000: Hired as Defensive Line Coach at Akron

In 2000, Luke Fickell was hired by the University of Akron as their defensive line coach, marking a significant step in his coaching career.

2002: Returned to Ohio State as Special Teams Coordinator

In 2002, Luke Fickell returned to Ohio State as the special teams coordinator, helping guide the team to the 2002 BCS National Championship.

2004: Became Linebackers Coach at Ohio State

In 2004, Luke Fickell took over as the linebackers coach at Ohio State, expanding his role within the coaching staff.

2005: Named Co-Defensive Coordinator at Ohio State

In 2005, Luke Fickell added the title of co-defensive coordinator to his responsibilities at Ohio State, further solidifying his influence on the team's defense.

2011: Named Interim Head Coach at Ohio State

In 2011, Luke Fickell was named interim head coach at Ohio State, initially in place of Jim Tressel who was suspended, and later for the entire season after Tressel's resignation.

2012: Guided Ohio State to the Gator Bowl

In 2012, after being passed up as the permanent head coach, Luke Fickell guided the Buckeyes to the Gator Bowl against the Florida Gators, marking the end of his tenure as interim head coach. Urban Meyer was hired as head coach.

2014: Won National Championship as Co-Defensive Coordinator

In 2014, as co-defensive coordinator under Urban Meyer, Luke Fickell was part of the coaching staff that won the National Championship with Ohio State, adding a significant achievement to his career.

December 10, 2016: Named Head Coach of University of Cincinnati

On December 10, 2016, Luke Fickell was named the 42nd head coach of the University of Cincinnati, succeeding Tommy Tuberville and beginning a new chapter in his coaching career.

2018: Named AAC Coach of the Year

In 2018, Luke Fickell led Cincinnati to an 11-2 record, winning the Military Bowl over Virginia Tech, and was named AAC Coach of the Year, marking a historic turnaround for the program.

2019: Led Cincinnati to another 11-win Season

In 2019, Luke Fickell led Cincinnati to another 11-win season, winning the Birmingham Bowl over Boston College, though they fell to Memphis in the AAC Championship.

2020: Agreed to Contract Extension with Cincinnati

Before the start of the 2020 season, Luke Fickell agreed to a contract extension to remain at Cincinnati through the 2026 season, despite interest from other schools.

2020: Led Cincinnati Bearcats to 9-1 Campaign

In 2020, Luke Fickell led the Cincinnati Bearcats to a 9-1 campaign, including a perfect regular season and winning the AAC Championship against Tulsa Golden Hurricane.

2021: Peach Bowl against Georgia Bulldogs

In 2021, Luke Fickell and Cincinnati were selected for the Peach Bowl against the #9 Georgia Bulldogs, ultimately falling to Georgia in a close game, 24-21.

2021: Led Bearcats to a Perfect Regular Season

In 2021, Luke Fickell led the Cincinnati Bearcats to another perfect regular season, defending their American Athletic Conference Football Championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff as the #4 seed.

2021: Son committed to Cincinnati

In 2021, Luke Fickell's eldest son, Landon, committed to Cincinnati as an offensive guard, highlighting a family connection to the program.

November 2022: Hired as Wisconsin Football Coach

In November 2022, Luke Fickell was hired as the football coach for the University of Wisconsin, replacing Paul Chryst and marking a new chapter in his coaching career.