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(10-18-2021 07:57 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  I've long given up trying to predict what a coach will do. I think Fickell has long shown us he is not leaving for a middling P5 job, but we really don't know what happens when a true blue blood, elite program makes a hard pitch. I'm optimistic that list of schools is small and limited to his midwestern fit, but who really knows?

That shouldn't stop UC from putting its best foot forward. They should be looking at reworking his contract now. Bump him to $5M and increase the pool for his assistants.

(10-18-2021 08:19 AM)nachoman91 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 07:57 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  I've long given up trying to predict what a coach will do. I think Fickell has long shown us he is not leaving for a middling P5 job, but we really don't know what happens when a true blue blood, elite program makes a hard pitch. I'm optimistic that list of schools is small and limited to his midwestern fit, but who really knows?

That shouldn't stop UC from putting its best foot forward. They should be looking at reworking his contract now. Bump him to $5M and increase the pool for his assistants.

I'm sure UC is doing everything it can to keep Luke here forever.

(10-18-2021 07:11 AM)bww Wrote:  Why wouldn't Urban Meyer try to use LSU as an escape hatch out of the NFL?

I think this Nfl gig will be Meyer's last head coaching job. His wiring is not suitable for the business long term. The booth likely a more permanent stop. Jacksonville's money talked, but he doesn't need it anymore.

(10-18-2021 06:10 AM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 10:33 PM)Lush Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 03:32 PM)eroc Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 02:47 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  Billy Napier is perfect for the LSU job. 95% of his playing and coaching years have been the the south and he’s turned Louisiana into a top 25 team. He has all the recruiting connections in the region as well. Frankly if I were an LSU fan I’d prefer him to Fick.

i was just going to comment on what the rest of the prospective candidates list looks like. i get that Coach Fickell is going to be a candidate for every big time job that opens but, save for a brief stint trying to make the Saints roster, he'll be coming in pretty cold in terms of a lot of the other items that might make for an attractive coaching candidate for LSU (ergo recruiting, connection to the area, etc). Perhaps i'm overthinking how much that matters. That said, Mel Tucker is having an outstanding year at MSU and he's already shown that he's more than willing to jump for an opportunity, and he's actually got a prior affiliation with LSU (as an assistant) and multiple stops in the south both at the college and NFL level (assistant at Bama and GA, and w/Jacksonville).

i can also see Joe Brady and Dave Arranda both getting calls. James Franklin would even be a better fit since he has prior experience in the SEC.

Like i said, i expect them to call and expect them to try and bring him in for an interview, i just don't see it.

if fickell turns down penn st, i'll be truly impressed. franklin to lsu seems like a prudent decision. i'm pulling for lane kiffin

we'll get another coach. down that road before

There are no parochial/Catholic schools in State College PA. There should be no concern on this one either.

It's not Cincinnati or Chicago, but Centre County, PA is 12.8% Catholic, and St. Joseph's Catholic Academy is a 9 minute drive from the Penn State campus. The notion that State College would be some kind of Siberia for a Catholic family is not correct. I think there are other reasons why he'd likely pass on that job though.

(10-18-2021 08:32 AM)Bearcat 1985 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 06:10 AM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 10:33 PM)Lush Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 03:32 PM)eroc Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 02:47 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  Billy Napier is perfect for the LSU job. 95% of his playing and coaching years have been the the south and he’s turned Louisiana into a top 25 team. He has all the recruiting connections in the region as well. Frankly if I were an LSU fan I’d prefer him to Fick.

i was just going to comment on what the rest of the prospective candidates list looks like. i get that Coach Fickell is going to be a candidate for every big time job that opens but, save for a brief stint trying to make the Saints roster, he'll be coming in pretty cold in terms of a lot of the other items that might make for an attractive coaching candidate for LSU (ergo recruiting, connection to the area, etc). Perhaps i'm overthinking how much that matters. That said, Mel Tucker is having an outstanding year at MSU and he's already shown that he's more than willing to jump for an opportunity, and he's actually got a prior affiliation with LSU (as an assistant) and multiple stops in the south both at the college and NFL level (assistant at Bama and GA, and w/Jacksonville).

i can also see Joe Brady and Dave Arranda both getting calls. James Franklin would even be a better fit since he has prior experience in the SEC.

Like i said, i expect them to call and expect them to try and bring him in for an interview, i just don't see it.

if fickell turns down penn st, i'll be truly impressed. franklin to lsu seems like a prudent decision. i'm pulling for lane kiffin

we'll get another coach. down that road before

There are no parochial/Catholic schools in State College PA. There should be no concern on this one either.

It's not Cincinnati or Chicago, but Centre County, PA is 12.8% Catholic, and St. Joseph's Catholic Academy is a 9 minute drive from the Penn State campus. The notion that State College would be some kind of Siberia for a Catholic family is not correct. I think there are other reasons why he'd likely pass on that job though.

Weak research!

A deep dive reveals they are so small they have NO FOOTBALL!

With fewer than 13 players committed to the upcoming season, St. Joseph's Catholic Academy has decided to suspend its football program. The announcement was made recently in a statement sent out from the school administration to parents and students. "We have not finished a season with more than 18 healthy players over the past five seasons," athletic director Chad Walsh said in the statement. "This year, we are looking at fewer than 13 who have committed to playing."

(10-18-2021 09:18 AM)doss2 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 08:32 AM)Bearcat 1985 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 06:10 AM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 10:33 PM)Lush Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 03:32 PM)eroc Wrote:  i was just going to comment on what the rest of the prospective candidates list looks like. i get that Coach Fickell is going to be a candidate for every big time job that opens but, save for a brief stint trying to make the Saints roster, he'll be coming in pretty cold in terms of a lot of the other items that might make for an attractive coaching candidate for LSU (ergo recruiting, connection to the area, etc). Perhaps i'm overthinking how much that matters. That said, Mel Tucker is having an outstanding year at MSU and he's already shown that he's more than willing to jump for an opportunity, and he's actually got a prior affiliation with LSU (as an assistant) and multiple stops in the south both at the college and NFL level (assistant at Bama and GA, and w/Jacksonville).

i can also see Joe Brady and Dave Arranda both getting calls. James Franklin would even be a better fit since he has prior experience in the SEC.

Like i said, i expect them to call and expect them to try and bring him in for an interview, i just don't see it.

if fickell turns down penn st, i'll be truly impressed. franklin to lsu seems like a prudent decision. i'm pulling for lane kiffin

we'll get another coach. down that road before

There are no parochial/Catholic schools in State College PA. There should be no concern on this one either.

It's not Cincinnati or Chicago, but Centre County, PA is 12.8% Catholic, and St. Joseph's Catholic Academy is a 9 minute drive from the Penn State campus. The notion that State College would be some kind of Siberia for a Catholic family is not correct. I think there are other reasons why he'd likely pass on that job though.

Weak research!

A deep dive reveals they are so small they have NO FOOTBALL!

With fewer than 13 players committed to the upcoming season, St. Joseph's Catholic Academy has decided to suspend its football program. The announcement was made recently in a statement sent out from the school administration to parents and students. "We have not finished a season with more than 18 healthy players over the past five seasons," athletic director Chad Walsh said in the statement. "This year, we are looking at fewer than 13 who have committed to playing."

While I didn't delve into how strong their athletics are, I answered the question. There is a 160 student, academically strong Catholic high school in State College. So, it's not St. X or Moeller in terms of size or athletics. That wasn't the question.

Now, I agree with you that the no football for his sons would be a deal breaker. Then again, with the money, they'd throw at him, I'm sure that there are plenty of residential Catholic prep schools in the Northeast with football teams where he could send them.

(10-18-2021 09:47 AM)Bearcat 1985 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 09:18 AM)doss2 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 08:32 AM)Bearcat 1985 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 06:10 AM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 10:33 PM)Lush Wrote:  if fickell turns down penn st, i'll be truly impressed. franklin to lsu seems like a prudent decision. i'm pulling for lane kiffin

we'll get another coach. down that road before

There are no parochial/Catholic schools in State College PA. There should be no concern on this one either.

It's not Cincinnati or Chicago, but Centre County, PA is 12.8% Catholic, and St. Joseph's Catholic Academy is a 9 minute drive from the Penn State campus. The notion that State College would be some kind of Siberia for a Catholic family is not correct. I think there are other reasons why he'd likely pass on that job though.

Weak research!

A deep dive reveals they are so small they have NO FOOTBALL!

With fewer than 13 players committed to the upcoming season, St. Joseph's Catholic Academy has decided to suspend its football program. The announcement was made recently in a statement sent out from the school administration to parents and students. "We have not finished a season with more than 18 healthy players over the past five seasons," athletic director Chad Walsh said in the statement. "This year, we are looking at fewer than 13 who have committed to playing."

While I didn't delve into how strong their athletics are, I answered the question. There is a 160 student, academically strong Catholic high school in State College. So, it's not St. X or Moeller in terms of size or athletics. That wasn't the question.

Now, I agree with you that the no football for his sons would be a deal breaker. Then again, with the money, they'd throw at him, I'm sure that there are plenty of residential Catholic prep schools in the Northeast with football teams where he could send them.

The Pete Thamel article about CLF and family is very good. It has been reported by multiple sources that Amy Fickell runs the show there, and in the article she states, we're not moving people, and she believes the job at UC isn't done yet and there is a lot more to accomplish here at UC.

(10-18-2021 09:59 AM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 09:47 AM)Bearcat 1985 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 09:18 AM)doss2 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 08:32 AM)Bearcat 1985 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 06:10 AM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:  There are no parochial/Catholic schools in State College PA. There should be no concern on this one either.

It's not Cincinnati or Chicago, but Centre County, PA is 12.8% Catholic, and St. Joseph's Catholic Academy is a 9 minute drive from the Penn State campus. The notion that State College would be some kind of Siberia for a Catholic family is not correct. I think there are other reasons why he'd likely pass on that job though.

Weak research!

A deep dive reveals they are so small they have NO FOOTBALL!

With fewer than 13 players committed to the upcoming season, St. Joseph's Catholic Academy has decided to suspend its football program. The announcement was made recently in a statement sent out from the school administration to parents and students. "We have not finished a season with more than 18 healthy players over the past five seasons," athletic director Chad Walsh said in the statement. "This year, we are looking at fewer than 13 who have committed to playing."

While I didn't delve into how strong their athletics are, I answered the question. There is a 160 student, academically strong Catholic high school in State College. So, it's not St. X or Moeller in terms of size or athletics. That wasn't the question.

Now, I agree with you that the no football for his sons would be a deal breaker. Then again, with the money, they'd throw at him, I'm sure that there are plenty of residential Catholic prep schools in the Northeast with football teams where he could send them.

The Pete Thamel article about CLF and family is very good. It has been reported by multiple sources that Amy Fickell runs the show there, and in the article she states, we're not moving people, and she believes the job at UC isn't done yet and there is a lot more to accomplish here at UC.

https://trojanswire.usatoday.com/2021/10...-his-wife/

Quote:“Everyone thinks football; I think about my kids, my family. ‘Do I want to raise my kids in this place?’” Amy says. “So you kind of look at those things first. We pray a lot about it, and you go from there.”

Whatever list Luke and Amy still have, it’s unclear where USC might fall on it. When asked if moving to Los Angeles was a firm “no,” she knew better than to rule it out.

“You never know what the future can hold.”

I figure the greatest danger of Fickell leaving would be if UC wins the national championship. Then the job here would be complete.

People are always talking the money aspect of this. If he were interested in making more money, you'd think he'd be doing a few endorsements locally. The fact that I have never seen or heard him do a product endorsement, tells me it's just not that important to him. Coach TT was always on the radio and TV doing endorsements when his image was still positive, Cronin did his share or endorsement, yet I don't think CLF has ever done one in Cincinnati. His image is so hot right now that I'm sure he gets offers all of the time for them. Also, why wouldn't he have a weekly TV show about the team, besides the radio show on WLW.

(10-18-2021 09:59 AM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 09:47 AM)Bearcat 1985 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 09:18 AM)doss2 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 08:32 AM)Bearcat 1985 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 06:10 AM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:  There are no parochial/Catholic schools in State College PA. There should be no concern on this one either.

It's not Cincinnati or Chicago, but Centre County, PA is 12.8% Catholic, and St. Joseph's Catholic Academy is a 9 minute drive from the Penn State campus. The notion that State College would be some kind of Siberia for a Catholic family is not correct. I think there are other reasons why he'd likely pass on that job though.

Weak research!

A deep dive reveals they are so small they have NO FOOTBALL!

With fewer than 13 players committed to the upcoming season, St. Joseph's Catholic Academy has decided to suspend its football program. The announcement was made recently in a statement sent out from the school administration to parents and students. "We have not finished a season with more than 18 healthy players over the past five seasons," athletic director Chad Walsh said in the statement. "This year, we are looking at fewer than 13 who have committed to playing."

While I didn't delve into how strong their athletics are, I answered the question. There is a 160 student, academically strong Catholic high school in State College. So, it's not St. X or Moeller in terms of size or athletics. That wasn't the question.

Now, I agree with you that the no football for his sons would be a deal breaker. Then again, with the money, they'd throw at him, I'm sure that there are plenty of residential Catholic prep schools in the Northeast with football teams where he could send them.

The Pete Thamel article about CLF and family is very good. It has been reported by multiple sources that Amy Fickell runs the show there, and in the article she states, we're not moving people, and she believes the job at UC isn't done yet and there is a lot more to accomplish here at UC.

I do not know Amy but I know friends who do. And they say Amy runs the show or at least has veto power.

PS: 160 students over 4 grades means less academic choices as well as no football.

Look at the Catholic choices for an Indian Hill Catholic, Moeller, St. X, Summit Country Day (Coed), Ursuline Academy (Girls), MND (Girls).

Dantonio 3
Kelly 3
Jones 3
Senator Corpse 4
Big Fick Year Five

Enjoying the ride!

(10-18-2021 10:17 AM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  I figure the greatest danger of Fickell leaving would be if UC wins the national championship. Then the job here would be complete.

If that happens, even his departure won't dampen my good mood.

(10-18-2021 10:27 AM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:  People are always talking the money aspect of this. If he were interested in making more money, you'd think he'd be doing a few endorsements locally. The fact that I have never seen or heard him do a product endorsement, tells me it's just not that important to him. Coach TT was always on the radio and TV doing endorsements when his image was still positive, Cronin did his share or endorsement, yet I don't think CLF has ever done one in Cincinnati. His image is so hot right now that I'm sure he gets offers all of the time for them. Also, why wouldn't he have a weekly TV show about the team, besides the radio show on WLW.

Bearcat Insider is on Wednesday’s on Bally Sports Ohio (6:30). I think the show would do much better on Fox 19.

(10-18-2021 11:07 AM)nachoman91 Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 10:17 AM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  I figure the greatest danger of Fickell leaving would be if UC wins the national championship. Then the job here would be complete.

If that happens, even his departure won't dampen my good mood.

Shoot, Big Fick will want to try to repeat!

(10-18-2021 08:15 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 07:57 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  I've long given up trying to predict what a coach will do. I think Fickell has long shown us he is not leaving for a middling P5 job, but we really don't know what happens when a true blue blood, elite program makes a hard pitch. I'm optimistic that list of schools is small and limited to his midwestern fit, but who really knows?

Bottom line is while Fickell was a perfect fit for UC, I think the opposite is true as well, UC is a perfect fit for Fickell. More than most, he seems to get that. He can win huge here and is already doing so. It's possible he would at LSU or USC as well, but who really knows for sure if those would be the right fit.

Fickell has been incredible for UC, but people should also point out UC is incredible for Fickell too.

Bolded, an important point. The story is told that he sought out UC and was given a unique opportunity, close to home, to resurrect his career after enduring the fans' abuse following that dreadful interim role which turned out to be a nightmare for someone who loved OSU as he does.

He's now a hero here--raising UC football to national stature. Will he follow the Frank Beamer path, ushering in a decade or more of success in Cincinnati? Maybe not. But the odds are certainly much better that Luke Fickell would choose that than Butch Jones, Brian Kelly or Mark Dantonio.

Very likely IMO especially now that we are moving to P5

(10-18-2021 06:07 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  Pete Thamel seems to think the top candidate for LSU is Jimbo Fisher. Jimbo is real close with the LSU AD, who was formerly the Aggie AD who originally plucked Jimbo from FSU.

I have no idea, but he's not the only one thinking that. Reportedly no buyout to A&M to steal Fisher helps.

(10-18-2021 10:17 AM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  I figure the greatest danger of Fickell leaving would be if UC wins the national championship. Then the job here would be complete.

Kinda funny that these coaching searches are naming the head coaches at A&M, Penn State, and Michigan State as candidates and Fickell is regarded as LESS likely than all of them to have interest. That is a tremendous compliment.

(10-18-2021 06:10 AM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 10:33 PM)Lush Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 03:32 PM)eroc Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 02:47 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  Billy Napier is perfect for the LSU job. 95% of his playing and coaching years have been the the south and he’s turned Louisiana into a top 25 team. He has all the recruiting connections in the region as well. Frankly if I were an LSU fan I’d prefer him to Fick.

i was just going to comment on what the rest of the prospective candidates list looks like. i get that Coach Fickell is going to be a candidate for every big time job that opens but, save for a brief stint trying to make the Saints roster, he'll be coming in pretty cold in terms of a lot of the other items that might make for an attractive coaching candidate for LSU (ergo recruiting, connection to the area, etc). Perhaps i'm overthinking how much that matters. That said, Mel Tucker is having an outstanding year at MSU and he's already shown that he's more than willing to jump for an opportunity, and he's actually got a prior affiliation with LSU (as an assistant) and multiple stops in the south both at the college and NFL level (assistant at Bama and GA, and w/Jacksonville).

i can also see Joe Brady and Dave Arranda both getting calls. James Franklin would even be a better fit since he has prior experience in the SEC.

Like i said, i expect them to call and expect them to try and bring him in for an interview, i just don't see it.

if fickell turns down penn st, i'll be truly impressed. franklin to lsu seems like a prudent decision. i'm pulling for lane kiffin

we'll get another coach. down that road before

There are no parochial/Catholic schools in State College PA. There should be no concern on this one either.

Beyond the obvious two, Penn St. is pretty much the only option that makes me a little uncomfortable. For $17M, they could hire a Jesuit priest or brother to home school the kids (yes I'm mostly kidding).

(10-18-2021 02:15 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  

(10-18-2021 06:10 AM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 10:33 PM)Lush Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 03:32 PM)eroc Wrote:  

(10-17-2021 02:47 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  Billy Napier is perfect for the LSU job. 95% of his playing and coaching years have been the the south and he’s turned Louisiana into a top 25 team. He has all the recruiting connections in the region as well. Frankly if I were an LSU fan I’d prefer him to Fick.

i was just going to comment on what the rest of the prospective candidates list looks like. i get that Coach Fickell is going to be a candidate for every big time job that opens but, save for a brief stint trying to make the Saints roster, he'll be coming in pretty cold in terms of a lot of the other items that might make for an attractive coaching candidate for LSU (ergo recruiting, connection to the area, etc). Perhaps i'm overthinking how much that matters. That said, Mel Tucker is having an outstanding year at MSU and he's already shown that he's more than willing to jump for an opportunity, and he's actually got a prior affiliation with LSU (as an assistant) and multiple stops in the south both at the college and NFL level (assistant at Bama and GA, and w/Jacksonville).

i can also see Joe Brady and Dave Arranda both getting calls. James Franklin would even be a better fit since he has prior experience in the SEC.

Like i said, i expect them to call and expect them to try and bring him in for an interview, i just don't see it.

if fickell turns down penn st, i'll be truly impressed. franklin to lsu seems like a prudent decision. i'm pulling for lane kiffin

we'll get another coach. down that road before

There are no parochial/Catholic schools in State College PA. There should be no concern on this one either.

Beyond the obvious two, Penn St. is pretty much the only option that makes me a little uncomfortable. For $17M, they could hire a Jesuit priest or brother to home school the kids (yes I'm mostly kidding).

Too far from Spencerville for Mrs. Fick and they don't have the team name of Bearcats.