November 27, 2022

CINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati Director of Athletics John Cunningham announced a national search is underway immediately to replace Luke Fickell as the 43rd head coach of the Cincinnati football team.

Cunningham announced Kerry Coombs will be the interim head coach. Coombs was the special teams coordinator and cornerbacks coach this season. He also served as an assistant at UC from 2007 to 2011.

Fickell leaves Cincinnati as the winningest head coach in school history with a record of 57-18. He won two American Athletic Conference Championships and led Cincinnati to five bowl games in six seasons, including back-to-back New Year’s Six games. His 2021 team finished 13-1 and became the first Group of Five team to be selected for the College Football Playoff, playing the 2021 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

Statement from AD John Cunningham
“I want to thank Luke Fickell for his leadership of our football program and all he has done for our athletic department over the last six seasons. Make no mistake, we are set up for success at the University of Cincinnati. Our goals – to compete for championships – don’t change. The football program has tremendous momentum, moving forward to the Big 12, and the indoor practice facilities we are breaking ground on soon. A national search has already begun for the next head coach, and we will find the perfect fit for this program, this university, this incredible fanbase and this awesome community.”

From University of Cincinnati President Neville Pinto
“There isn’t a better leader than John Cunningham to direct the search for our next head football coach. I have full confidence that John will find the right fit to continue our winning culture on and off the field and capitalize on the upward momentum of our institution. The University of Cincinnati and this community have all the ingredients needed for success, and I’m confident we’ll find a candidate who can make Cincinnati proud.”

COURTESY UC ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS