Coaches Hot Seat - Shocker

[Deeeefense]

I just went to the Coaches Hot Seat site and was shocked to find guy in the #1 spot was none other then Luke Fickell.
Fickell has had back to back disappointing seasons with the Wisconsin and now they apparently want to run him out of town. But prior to that he had an amazing 7 year run at Cincinnati putting up a 57-18 record and receiving The Bear Bryant award and 6 other coach of the year awards in 2021. So are we to believe this guy just forgot how to coach all of a sudden? Fickell is famous for a high octane air raid style of play and apparently that just didn't fit with the Badgers which has historically been a tradition B10 ground and pound unit. Could it be he just didn't have the players there to run that style? Is Wisconsin just not giving this guy enough time?

Full disclosure as a UK fan I'm rooting 100% for whoever is our coach to succeed, but since there are obvious questions right now about the future of Stoops and Kentucky, and should the Badgers have another subpar season, this guy would likely be on the market - just food for thought.

 

[gamecockcat]

He definitely had success at UC and fielded very good teams. But, if the aggressive, air raid doesn't work in the B10, what makes anyone think it'll work for UK in the SEC? Mike Leach didn't exactly set the world on fire at MSSt (a few games > .500 for the 3 years there). If it comes to replacing Stoops, and I hope it doesn't because we're MUCH better this year, I think Sumrall is the first choice. Younger, less expensive, solid ties to UK plus has been an assistant here prior. Easier transition, imo, with less blowback from the fans if Sumrall is the guy.

I think Stoops' style of football still works in today's game - with one caveat. You do have to be somewhat balanced on offense, not just rely primarily on the running game. But, solid defense, good kicking game, offense that will tire out the opponents defense, run effectively in the RZ and still be able to keep you honest with the passing game can win football games. We've just been so bad offensively in some years and, last year, our defense did not hold up their end of the bargain nearly often enough.

I am surprised that Fickell is already on the hot seat. That seems too early. I would think Hugh Freeze's seat would be hotter and maybe DeBoer's at Bama if they lose 3+ games again this year.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

Fickell is famous for a high octane air raid style of play and apparently that just didn't fit with the Badgers which has historically been a tradition B10 ground and pound unit.

Isn't Fickell a defensive guy? If he was the hire and he wants the air raid, then that's where you might see the door open for Neal Brown to come back as OC.

 

[Deeeefense]

Isn't Fickell a defensive guy? If he was the hire and he wants the air raid, then that's where you might see the door open for Neal Brown to come back as OC.

Yes he was a defensive coach, but apparently he was an advocate of a spread/air raid style which they ran at Cincy.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

To be fair he wasn't having to play teams like Mich, PSU, OSU every week.

 

[truebluewildcat]

USC, Oklahoma, and FSU all will be interesting situations to watch. Three pretty high-end programs all getting a bit anxious.

With that said, I think overall there may be a trend to not fire guys and pay the buyout in the NIL era. See FSU and Norvell. That abysmal season, even if it is after an undefeated season, would have gotten a lot of folks fired 5-10 years ago. Now, I think we could very well see a trend of programs actually exercising some patience and sticking it out with guys.

I mean it was always boosters who lead the charge in firings, now that they're paying multi-millions for players. I'm not certain they will be keen on buyouts.

Also, the portal and ease of movement players have. Coaches have more leverage in that they can just take players with them.

See Napier and UF. Yeah, he came along strong down the home stretch, but 5 years ago he'd have been booted. Now the scene is different. Boosters have to weigh spending money on buyout or NIL. In addition to financial considerations boosters, brass, and fans all have to weigh whether or not they want to kick a guy who could take a dozen star players and top portal targets with him.

 

[TucsonCat]

Absolutely not.

Succeeding at Cincinnati in the AAC or Wisconsin in the Big 10, or winning more than 6 games at Ohio State, is a lot easier than Kentucky in the SEC.

People may not like hiring the mid major coach or a coordinator. But that's an easy choice over known won't work like Fickell.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

I just went to the Coaches Hot Seat site and was shocked to find guy in the #1 spot was none other then Luke Fickell.
Fickell has had back to back disappointing seasons with the Wisconsin and now they apparently want to run him out of town. But prior to that he had an amazing 7 year run at Cincinnati putting up a 57-18 record and receiving The Bear Bryant award and 6 other coach of the year awards in 2021. So are we to believe this guy just forgot how to coach all of a sudden? Fickell is famous for a high octane air raid style of play and apparently that just didn't fit with the Badgers which has historically been a tradition B10 ground and pound unit. Could it be he just didn't have the players there to run that style? Is Wisconsin just not giving this guy enough time?

Full disclosure as a UK fan I'm rooting 100% for whoever is our coach to succeed, but since there are obvious questions right now about the future of Stoops and Kentucky, and should the Badgers have another subpar season, this guy would likely be on the market - just food for thought.

To be fair he wasn't having to play teams like Mich, PSU, OSU every week.

This. Amazing how much easier it is to win when you have equal or better talent than your competition.

But, if the aggressive, air raid doesn't work in the B10, what makes anyone think it'll work for UK in the SEC

Exactly. Ill never understand UK fans ongoing love affair with the air raid. It isnt going to work in this conference. Even mike leach couldn't make it work, and uk fans spent forever pining for him. The little success he had at msu was due to his superstar dc.

Defense and physical offense is the only thing that punches up, especially in a limited nil situation.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

If succeeding at Cincy was the job Wisky paid him to do, he will retire from the Badgers a happy man.

Chryst went 10-3, 11-3, 13-1, 8-5, 10-4, and 9-4 in his career in full seasons with the Badgers. If they fired Chryst, Fickell will get canned this year.

 

[KYExtemper]

Fickell's struggles at Wisconsin remind me a bit of Rich Rod at Michigan. He came in there and tried to do a complete 180 with the way their offense was run and it just ran off the rails.

Speaking of hot seat, the Audible podcast via the Athletic (a great show) had a question about Stoops this week. Hosts don't think he's on the hot seat even if the year doesn't go well here.

 

[The-Hack]

Fickell's struggles at Wisconsin remind me a bit of Rich Rod at Michigan.

Rich Rod had a cultural issue in Michigan.

His traditional Southern Style of coaching offended players and supporters from the get-go: they were not accustomed to coaches using rough language directed at players, etc. During his tenure, I heard an Ohio State fan say regarding Michigan fans that they thought he “was just too tough on the boys.” I asked WTF that meant?!?!

 

[The-Hack]

Hosts don't think he's on the hot seat even if the year doesn't go well here.

I just hope he can re-turn the program, then retire (or head to Iowa) in a couple of years with his head held high.

Unless Jon Sumrall stumps his toe badly in New Orleans, I think he’s headed back “home” like a rocket-ship!!

Neal Brown as OC might make for an interesting combo for coaches!!

 

[Bereacat420]

Rich Rod had a cultural issue in Michigan.

His traditional Southern Style of coaching offended players and supporters from the get-go: they were not accustomed to coaches using rough language directed at players, etc. During his tenure, I heard an Ohio State fan say regarding Michigan fans that they thought he “was just too tough on the boys.” I asked WTF that meant?!?!

If they couldn’t handle Rich, how did they handle Harbaugh? No way he was harder on them than Harbaugh was

 

[TucsonCat]

If they couldn’t handle Rich, how did they handle Harbaugh? No way he was harder on them than Harbaugh was

Because it was horseshyt. Rival fans making up reasons to smear them. If a Louisville fan was trying to explain why Joker Phillips didn't work out here, would you believe them?

 

[Bereacat420]

Because it was horseshyt. Rival fans making up reasons to smear them. If a Louisville fan was trying to explain why Joker Phillips didn't work out here, would you believe them?

I read Hack’s post as Michigan fans were telling them that. UL fans heard and seen posts of UK fans bitching about Joker. Anyone watching UK at the time could have seen a lot what was wrong here then. Same with Cal at the end.

 

[Blue-ish]

Rich Rod had a cultural issue in Michigan.

His traditional Southern Style of coaching offended players and supporters from the get-go: they were not accustomed to coaches using rough language directed at players, etc. During his tenure, I heard an Ohio State fan say regarding Michigan fans that they thought he “was just too tough on the boys.” I asked WTF that meant?!?!

I know it has been a long time, but Bo Schembechler did coach there. He was a pretty tough sob.

During the height of the Ten-Year War between Michigan and Ohio State in the 1970s, Bo and Woody were constantly trying to get the upper hand, even in the smallest details.

One year before The Game, Bo needed game film of Ohio State’s most recent matchup. At the time, it was standard for teams to exchange film before games—but only if both agreed to do so. So, Bo called Woody to request it.

Woody, known for his paranoia and suspicion, answered the phone. Here's roughly how the conversation went:

Bo: "Woody, I need a copy of your game film."
Woody: "You'll get my game film when I get yours."
Bo: "Fine. I’ll send mine if you send yours."
Woody: "Send it first."
Bo: "No, you send it first."
Woody: "You're not getting anything until I get something."
Bo: "Then we’re done here." [click]

Neither coach sent film. Neither got film.

 

[yoshukai]

I just went to the Coaches Hot Seat site and was shocked to find guy in the #1 spot was none other then Luke Fickell.
Fickell has had back to back disappointing seasons with the Wisconsin and now they apparently want to run him out of town. But prior to that he had an amazing 7 year run at Cincinnati putting up a 57-18 record and receiving The Bear Bryant award and 6 other coach of the year awards in 2021. So are we to believe this guy just forgot how to coach all of a sudden? Fickell is famous for a high octane air raid style of play and apparently that just didn't fit with the Badgers which has historically been a tradition B10 ground and pound unit. Could it be he just didn't have the players there to run that style? Is Wisconsin just not giving this guy enough time?

Full disclosure as a UK fan I'm rooting 100% for whoever is our coach to succeed, but since there are obvious questions right now about the future of Stoops and Kentucky, and should the Badgers have another subpar season, this guy would likely be on the market - just food for thought.

I thought Butch Jones was going to be a very good coach when he was at Cincinnati too . Just didn’t translate to the sec though.

 

[The-Hack]

If they couldn’t handle Rich, how did they handle Harbaugh? No way he was harder on them than Harbaugh was

Well, Harbaugh might have been “tough” on them physically, but Rich Rod may have ruffled feathers with language.

I’m 62 and played football sparingly . . . but caught enough to know that even small town football in Kentucky was an early introduction to Marine basic training.

A quick example: in a Junior High All Star game at Mercer County in 1977, I was standing on my team’s sideline, near the cute Mercer County girls who were doing chain-gang. One of our players was tackled at our sideline, and our head coach grabbed him by the face mask, pulled him up to face level, and gave him advice that began with, “Listen here, you little Mother F@cker . . . .”

One of the Mercer County girls asked, “What does your Coach do for a living in your home town.”

I answered honestly: “He is a Baptist minister.”

 

[TTU/UK fan]

Luke Fickell's success at Cincinnati was due to very good development. That's hard to do in this NIL wild west era.

On that playoff team his secondary was:
0* Safety who now starts for the Chiefs
2* CB who started 11 games for the Seahawks this past season
3* Safety who has started 17 games for the Commanders, even though always injured.
3* CB who was Rookie DPOY and 2 time All-Pro.

And developed a KY QB that all of the other KY teams passed up into a guy who eventually started several NFL games.

I mean, he built an NFL secondary with an AAC team. Guy clearly has skill, this era just doesn't really fit him. Heck we will play 2 of his former young secondary players in game 1. Including a former 4* who ditched for Toledo after being a RSFR at Wisconsin. Hard to develop guys in this era.

 

[Bereacat420]

Well, Harbaugh might have been “tough” on them physically, but Rich Rod may have ruffled feathers with language.

I’m 62 and played football sparingly . . . but caught enough to know that even small town football in Kentucky was an early introduction to Marine basic training.

A quick example: in a Junior High All Star game at Mercer County in 1977, I was standing on my team’s sideline, near the cute Mercer County girls who were doing chain-gang. One of our players was tackled at our sideline, and our head coach grabbed him by the face mask, pulled him up to face level, and gave him advice that began with, “Listen here, you little Mother F@cker . . . .”

One of the Mercer County girls asked, “What does your Coach do for a living in your home town.”

I answered honestly: “He is a Baptist minister.”

Tough physically? No one used worst language than slick Rick and he’s a northerner. If you don’t think guys like Harbaugh aren’t the same way, you’re crazy.

 

[sieken]

I mean, he built an NFL secondary with an AAC team. Guy clearly has skill, this era just doesn't really fit him. Heck we will play 2 of his former young secondary players in game 1. Including a former 4* who ditched for Toledo after being a RSFR at Wisconsin. Hard to develop guys in this era.

Worst part about this new landscape we are currently in.

 

[WildcatofNati2]

I just went to the Coaches Hot Seat site and was shocked to find guy in the #1 spot was none other then Luke Fickell.
Fickell has had back to back disappointing seasons with the Wisconsin and now they apparently want to run him out of town. But prior to that he had an amazing 7 year run at Cincinnati putting up a 57-18 record and receiving The Bear Bryant award and 6 other coach of the year awards in 2021. So are we to believe this guy just forgot how to coach all of a sudden? Fickell is famous for a high octane air raid style of play and apparently that just didn't fit with the Badgers which has historically been a tradition B10 ground and pound unit. Could it be he just didn't have the players there to run that style? Is Wisconsin just not giving this guy enough time?

Full disclosure as a UK fan I'm rooting 100% for whoever is our coach to succeed, but since there are obvious questions right now about the future of Stoops and Kentucky, and should the Badgers have another subpar season, this guy would likely be on the market - just food for thought.

The coacheshotseat site is run by a blogger, not a professional sports writer. That's not to say he is always going to be wrong about his opinion, but it is of the same professional level of credential as anyone on this board that starts his own thread. Fickell is nowhere close to No. 1 hot seat in college-football. He was extended even after last year's disappointing season.

 

[FirewithFire]

Wasn't Gran the OC at Cincinnati? That didn't work out so great here either. Fact is the B1G and the SEC are just a giant leap above the other conferences in quality.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Rich Rod had a cultural issue in Michigan.

His traditional Southern Style of coaching offended players and supporters from the get-go: they were not accustomed to coaches using rough language directed at players, etc. During his tenure, I heard an Ohio State fan say regarding Michigan fans that they thought he “was just too tough on the boys.” I asked WTF that meant?!?!

Rich Rod was doomed the minute he was hired because too many UM fans hated he was not a “Michigan Man.” A substantial portion of that fan base wanted him to fail from day one.

 

[The-Hack]

Rich Rod was doomed the minute he was hired because too many UM fans hated he was not a “Michigan Man.” A substantial portion of that fan base wanted him to fail from day one.

And OSU fans delighted in his misery.