Report: Luke Fickell turns down Michigan State, will stay at Cincinnati
Michigan State’s coaching search continues.
According to Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports, Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell has turned down the job at Michigan State and will stay at Cincinnati. He had an interview with MSU athletic director Bill Beekman over the weekend and quickly declined the opportunity to lead the Spartans.
Sources: Luke Fickell has decided to stay at Cincinnati. After interviewing for Michigan State on Sunday and talking it over with his family, he elected to stay put.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 10, 2020
Four candidates have now turned down the chance at the job/opportunity to be interviewed. Pitt’s Pat Narduzzi, Iowa State’s Matt Campbell and Colorado’s Mel Tucker all separated themselves from the coaching search in East Lansing and plan on staying with their current programs.
Fickell’s decision to turn down the job comes as somewhat of a surprise, as he and former head coach Mark Dantonio had a strong relationship. He was also considered to be the top candidate for the job and it seemed like Michigan State would do what it could to bring the longtime Ohio State assistant to East Lansing.
Instead, the Spartans will move forward again, still searching for a head coach. With spring practice approaching, there’s a chance Michigan State settles on Mike Tressel, who was a longtime member of Dantonio’s staff and is currently serving as the acting head coach.