Ohio State Breaking News: Luke Fickell Interviewed for Pittsburgh Position

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ohio State interim football coach Luke Fickell was interviewed for the vacant coaching position at Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Fickell led the Buckeyes to a 6-6 season this year amid multiple accounts of adversity, including the departures of former coach Jim Tressel and star quarterback Terrelle Pryor as well as suspensions to key players. As of right now, he will continue to coach the team through its matchup against Florida in the Gator Bowl.

That could change if Fickell decides to accept an offer from Pittsburgh. The Panthers were sent looking for their third coach in two years after Todd Graham left Pitt for Arizona State this week.

Fickell served as an assistant under Tressel since 2002 before taking the helm at OSU. Prior to this season, he had no head coaching experience.

Despite having a .500 record, Fickell provides an illustrious resume for teams in need of a fresh start. 

The former silver bullet played nose guard for the Buckeyes from 1993-96 for an outstanding defensive squad before making a brief appearance in the NFL. He then went on to coach the defensive line at Akron before returning to Ohio State, where he was responsible for the linebackers and at one point special teams, all while carrying the co-defensive coordinator title.

Fickell has also drawn attraction from Akron but has not shown any interest at this time. However, he’s had a taste of what it’s like to be the head coach of an elite football program and could be hungry for more.

Pittsburgh is currently a member of the Big East but will be moving to the Atlantic Coastal Conference following this season.

Former Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer was hired as Fickell’s successor for the 2012 season and beyond, and is currently responsible for all recruiting duties. Fickell is expected to coach Ohio State in the Gator Bowl and then retain his role as co-defensive coordinator next year.