Wisconsin names Fickell as coach

Wisconsin is bringing Cincinnati’s Luke Fickell back to the Big Ten. Athletic director Chris McIntosh announced Sunday that the Badgers had hired Fickell to take over their football program after a successful run with the Bearcats. Fickell posted a 57-18 record in six seasons at Cincy and helped the Bearcats earn a College Football Playoff berth last year. The former Ohio State defensive lineman went 6-7 as the Buckeyes’ interim coach in 2011. Veteran assistant Kerry Coombs reportedly was being named interim coach of the Bearcats. Fickell, 49, takes over for interim coach and former Badgers star player Jim Leonhard, who replaced Paul Chryst on Oct. 2. Chryst went 67-26 in 7 ½ seasons. Wisconsin finished the regular season 6-6 overall and 4-5 in the Big Ten. Leonhard was promoted from defensive coordinator after Chryst’s firing and led Wisconsin to a 4-3 record over the final seven games of the regular season. Many Wisconsin players called for Leonhard to get the job. The Badgers instead opted for Fickell, who led Cincinnati to the first CFP berth for any Group of Five school.