What Did We Learn: Fickell's Press Conference

I'm a little nervous

Perhaps one of the biggest thing people noticed was that Luke Fickell, in his first press conference as the Buckeyes head coach, was nervous. You can certainly not blame him for being a little sweaty and shaken, as Tressel wasn't supposed to leave any time soon, and now he's been thrusted into a spot he has little to no experience in.


Like Tressel, Fickell stressed Ohio State's tradition, saying the school is bigger than one coach, one player or one situation - such as the ongoing NCAA investigation that led to Tressel's resignation.


"I can't tell you how humbled and honored I am to stand here as the head coach at THE Ohio State University," Fickell said in front of a packed room that included many OSU officials, about half the coaching staff and several of his former teammates. "I want to thank (president) Gordon Gee and (athletic director) Mr. (Gene) Smith for this opportunity to lead a program that I know, love and respect as much as anything in my life."


It's obvious that Tressel's firm stand on traditions stayed home with Fickell, and that's good news for fans of the Buckeye team. 

Here's another interesting thing:

"Fickell was assured the job for 2011 only. Smith has said that after the season, the search will include internal and external candidates.

Smith, however, did rework Fickell's contract. Fickell earned $257,604 last season, and Smith said yesterday that they were finalizing a deal for $775,000 plus bonuses.

Fickell brushed off a question about whether he is getting a fair shot at proving he's the best man for the job after this season. To the Columbus native and OSU alum, it's enough just to have this chance.

"Yeah, it's a tough situation," he said, "but there's never been any challenge I wouldn't accept, big or small. And if you know me, you know there's no retreat."

Just as we all suspected, Fickell will be here for only the 2011 season, and Ohio State will go on the coaching hunt right as the season ends. It's clear that Fickell is a man that wants his men on the field to act the same way off the field. With respect, honor, toughness, etc. After dodging some NCAA questions, it's also obvious that he his already putting the past behind him, and looking toward the future of Ohio State Football. This is exactly what we need right now. In case you missed the press conference, I send you to Eleven Warriors, who have all the videos.