COLUMBUS, Ohio — The holiday shopping seemingly starts earlier every year. + EnlargeGreg Bartram/USA TODAY SportsWith Ohio State’s success, Urban Meyer may have to part with some of his top assistants, including Luke Fickell. Perhaps the most popular store for athletic directors who are looking to put a new football coach under the tree isn’t even officially open for business. However, there’s already one who is reportedly banging on the door trying to capitalize on a head start. The two-year commitments Urban Meyer asked of his first coaching staff at Ohio State will soon be filled. The assistants have all added 21 wins without a loss to their most current résumés. The No. 4 Buckeyes are on pace for another division title, in line for a spot in the Big Ten title game and still jockeying for a bid to compete for the crystal football.
So, as the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported on Tuesday that Florida Atlantic is targeting defensive coordinator Luke Fickell, it’s a safe bet that some of the hottest coaching toys on the market are at Ohio State. And after keeping them all to himself after last season’s undefeated campaign, the signs are already there that Meyer will need to restock his shelves this offseason.
“We had four guys that had some people trying to discuss head-coaching opportunities for them,” Meyer said in the spring. “And I hope that happens for some of them, but I’m kind of glad it doesn’t happen after just one year.
“I always ask for just a two-year commitment. I think that’s fair.”
Across the board, Meyer’s first staff has provided just about everything he could have hoped for when he took over the program, including sticking around and turning down a few offers a year ago.
As the team appears to be getting stronger every week, the benefits for the Buckeyes are obvious. …
Continue reading this article at ESPN: OSU will be hot shopping spot for ADs
