COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Now that more than a year has passed since Luke Fickell was dropped into an almost unwinnable season of controversy, frustration and transition at Ohio State, he’s able to see it as a life lesson.
”You can’t get some of those experiences just reading about it or seeing it or trying to study it,” he reflected this week. ”To actually do it is invaluable.”
Fickell was elevated from defensive coordinator to fill in as interim head coach while the Buckeyes fought off challenges on two fronts: on the field and in a lengthy NCAA investigation.
Under Fickell, in charge of a team for the first time and stuck with one that was assailed by a drumbeat of suspensions, innuendo and sanctions, it was a torturous season. The Buckeyes went just 6-7, losing their final four games, while the NCAA was rapping the program for major violations which took place under the guidance of the coach the previous 10 years, Jim Tressel.
Continue Reading: Fickell finds comfort zone with new-look Buckeyes
