Paul Finebaum reacts to Luke Fickell news, what it means for Jim Leonhard at Wisconsin

Wisconsin made a major splash this weekend when it became public that now-former Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell would be coming to Madison and taking over the Badgers program. It’s a massive get for the school as they now have one of the sport’s best up-and-coming coaches at their helm. That’s why, as far as a quick reaction, Paul Finebaum loves the move for both sides.

Finebaum shared his thoughts on Fickell taking the Badger’s job during a recap of Week 13. He says he believes a move like this would have been on the table last season had Fickell not led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff. However, it laid the foundation for this to come his way this season. Since he has now taken it, Finebaum believes this could be great for both sides.

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“Last year he got stuck. All the big jobs came open and he couldn’t take them because he was in the playoffs,” said Finebaum. “He really has blossomed into an elite coach…I do think Luke Fickell is a great fit at Wisconsin. I think he can elevate that program immensely.”

Fickell has coached at Cincinnati since 2017 and amassed a 57-18 record. The Bearcats have been one of the nation’s best mid-majors under his leadership with a 53-10 record over the last five seasons. That includes 2021’s 13-1 run that earned them a spot in the CFP.

With Fickell about to be in place, that leaves a question mark when it comes to Jim Leonhard. He took over the school’s interim following the firing of Paul Chryst after a little over seven seasons. Leonhard took over and led them to a 4-3 record down the stretch. However, Finebaum believes the most important part of Leonhard’s time as their interim was that it gave the Badgers more time to search for the fit that turned out to be Fickell.

“He had a fair shot. And I know sometimes people say, ‘Well, you’re inheriting something.’,” Finebaum said. “Some guys do (make the most out of it), some guys don’t. You may not have your final answer during an interim stay, but you know a lot. That’s why I think it does make sense to get rid of the coach quickly when he’s failing.”

It’s nothing against Leonhard’s job and he will likely get looks of his own after what he did for the Badgers down the stretch. However, it’s now Fickell’s job to make the most of as Wisconsin looks toward its future.