Luke Fickell: 'You Can't Leave a Legacy in a Few Years'

The Bearcats coach dove into why he chose to stay at UC with Jim Rome.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Apr 12, 2022 12:28 PM EDT

CINCINNATI — Plenty of blue-chip college football programs were interested in Luke Fickell after last season, but the Bearcats coach wasn't receptive. He dove into the why behind all of those "No's" with Jim Rome this week.

"I think you're definitely right," Fickell said to Rome describing the coach's commitment to Cincinnati. "In order to leave a legacy, you can't do that in just a few years. I know all things are different and you gotta do what you believe is best, and everybody's gotta do what they believe is best. But for me, for my family and all that we do, this is a place that we love and a place where I feel we can grow.

"We are nowhere close to where we can be, and I mean that not just as a football team, but I mean that as a whole. There is so much growth that keeps me incredibly motivated...Not being able to play anymore, coaching is the next best thing. You don't lose that competitive fire, and no matter what—if I feel like I can grow—I feel like I'm in the right place."

Bearcats fans surely hope that room for growth is endless until Fickell retires. With a career UC record of 48-15, Fickell is just six wins away from passing Rick Minter (1994-2003) for the most wins in program history.

Minter did it in 10 seasons, while Fickell will hit that mark in just six years. Among coaches to stay for at least two seasons—the current Bearcats coach is second to Brian Kelly (85%) in all-time winning percentage (Fickell, 76.2%).

Watch the full answer below.

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