AP source: Fickell leaving Ohio State to coach Cincinnati

Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell has told the school he is leaving to become the head coach at Cincinnati, a person with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Saturday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Fickell had not yet met with Ohio State players.

An official announcement was expected later Saturday.

The second-ranked Buckeyes are preparing to play No. 3 Clemson in the College Football Playoff on Dec. 31 at the Fiesta Bowl.

Fickell, a former Buckeyes defensive lineman, has been an assistant at Ohio State since 2002. He spent one season as head coach of the Buckeyes in 2011, taking over after Jim Tressel was fired during the offseason and going 6-7.

When Urban Meyer took over in 2012, Fickell, 43, was retained and has been part of a staff that has won a national title and two Big Ten championships.

The Columbus, Ohio, native replaces Tommy Tuberville, who stepped down after four seasons at Cincinnati.

The Bearcats went 4-8 this past season.

Fickell has shared the defensive coordinator role the past three years, first with Chris Ash and this season with Greg Schiano.

Fickell's one season as head coach came under difficult circumstances. Tressel was fired for lying to NCAA investigators and the school about violations involving players trading memorabilia and gear for tattoos and cash.

The Cincinnati Enquirer and other outlets reported earlier in the week that Fickell has become the focus of Cincinnati's search.

ESPN was first to report Saturday the two sides had reached an agreement.

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Follow Ralph D. Russo at www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP

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