Big Interview: Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell

Andy welcomes the head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats Luke Fickell to the show! Coach Fickell discusses the growing use of the transfer portal and if it's needed to keep up with the rest of the nation. Is it possible to construct a winning program with developmental players who have been in a school's system for multiple years? What qualities is Coach Fickell looking for in his next starting quarterback, and what is his approach to a QB competition? The two also chat about Cincinnati's historic CFP berth, and how the subsequent success has changed the program, including recruiting. Plus, Coach Fickell shares his thoughts on his recent contract extension, and who would win in a Coaching Royal Rumble: Fickell and Mike Vrabel or Marcus Freeman and Mario Cristobal? Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_Staples Follow Luke Fickell on Twitter: @CoachFick Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month for 6 months by visiting: theathletic.com/andystaples Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices