Luke Fickell Named Assistant Head Coach

Great choice by Ohio State for the first 5 games

As of yesterday, Luke Fickell was named by Ohio State that he would be the head coach for the first 5 games in the 2011 season.

Here's what the school released on the decision:

"In that role, he will serve as interim head coach for the first five games of the Buckeyes’ 2011 season. He will also retain his role as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. 

“Luke Fickell is a Buckeye to the core. He has earned this promotion to assistant head coach through his hard work, dedication and performance,” said Smith. “ We have great trust and belief in Luke’s ability to work with our entire coaching staff to lead our young men through the first five games this fall. I have confidence our entire football family will work together to maintain our standard of excellence.”

Fickell is in his 10th year on the Ohio State coaching staff. He coaches the Buckeyes linebackers and is co-defensive coordinator, a role he assumed in April, 2005. In 2010, he was selected as the AFCA’s Assistant Coach of the Year for FBS schools, and was also named Linebacker Coach of the Year by Football Scoop.
“I am honored to be able to grow at a place and in a program that I know, love and respect. It is extremely humbling,” said Fickell."

I personally think this is the best possible choice for Ohio State as it stands, since Darrell Hazell is no longer with the program. Fickell is a good replacement for the first 5 games, and Buckeye fans are especially interested in seeing what his coaching style will be like. Many believe that when Tressel steps down (whenever that may be) that Luke will be the one standing there ready to take the job. I think it is difficult to make a jump from an assistant coach to head coach, and this will surely provide him the chance to show what he can do.