Guys, we hear Luke Fickell's name every time there's a coaching search. And rightfully so, with what he's been able to do at UC. News dropped within the hour that Mark Dantonio is stepping down at Michigan State, amid allegations of NCAA violations. Odd timing, the day before signing day.
But what I can already tell you is that multiple people have now told us that Luke Fickell is THE name being floated around at Michigan State now. Makes sense, again, for everything Fickell has going for him. This time, though, the concerns of him leaving are real.
The difference this time is that for other spots, like Arkansas, it's too far from home. Fickell and his wife Amy are from Ohio. With 6 kids, they aren't just uprooting them. They've never wanted to get far from home. And they have a strong Catholic background. That limits the possible places he could go to, to a handful. Places like Pittsburgh. West Virginia, Michigan, Michigan State and the crown jewel for him, Ohio State, where he spent considerable time before UC. So the Spartans fit a lot of the desired criteria, being in the Big Ten as well.
The thing to watch the most, though, is the possibility of NCAA sanctions. While Michigan State could certainly pay him more, not sure he'd be so inclined if sanctions were imminent. Some of this stems back to Larry Nassar, which resulted in the resignation of MSU's president and athletics director. The NCAA cleared the university, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's 100% in the clear. Let's just say there's been some stuff under Dantonio's watch that's led to today's resignation. So, the university would absolutely have to assure Fickell that no sanctions are coming.
Something to watch for sure. Fickell is a top choice for a lot of schools. He and his family have developed strong ties to the Queen City, so it would be tough to pull him away. But to date, this might be the most real possibility. Not saying one way or another, but something to monitor very closely, as we will.
But what I can already tell you is that multiple people have now told us that Luke Fickell is THE name being floated around at Michigan State now. Makes sense, again, for everything Fickell has going for him. This time, though, the concerns of him leaving are real.
The difference this time is that for other spots, like Arkansas, it's too far from home. Fickell and his wife Amy are from Ohio. With 6 kids, they aren't just uprooting them. They've never wanted to get far from home. And they have a strong Catholic background. That limits the possible places he could go to, to a handful. Places like Pittsburgh. West Virginia, Michigan, Michigan State and the crown jewel for him, Ohio State, where he spent considerable time before UC. So the Spartans fit a lot of the desired criteria, being in the Big Ten as well.
The thing to watch the most, though, is the possibility of NCAA sanctions. While Michigan State could certainly pay him more, not sure he'd be so inclined if sanctions were imminent. Some of this stems back to Larry Nassar, which resulted in the resignation of MSU's president and athletics director. The NCAA cleared the university, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's 100% in the clear. Let's just say there's been some stuff under Dantonio's watch that's led to today's resignation. So, the university would absolutely have to assure Fickell that no sanctions are coming.
Something to watch for sure. Fickell is a top choice for a lot of schools. He and his family have developed strong ties to the Queen City, so it would be tough to pull him away. But to date, this might be the most real possibility. Not saying one way or another, but something to monitor very closely, as we will.