Luke Fickell to coach Ohio State’s first 5 games of 2011

By Thomas Bradley (TheLantern.com) -

Ohio State co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell has been promoted to assistant coach on Jim Tressel’s football squad. Fickell will serve as interim head coach during Tressel’s five-game suspension to start the season.

Gene Smith, athletic director at OSU, said in a press release that Fickell will retain his role as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator.

“I am humbled and excited about the opportunity,” Fickell said. “I’m truly proud to be able to stand up here and accept this role.”

Fickell spoke to reporters and offered few details on how the coaching roles would change for next year.

“We coach by committee. It never has been, never will be about one person in particular,” Fickell said. “This is still Jim Tressel’s team.”

Tressel was suspended by the university for five games for his role in knowing about NCAA violations and not reporting them to superiors. Terrelle Pryor and four other players received improper benefits by selling memorabilia and receiving discounted tattoos in 2009.

Athletic department spokeswoman Shelly Poe said OSU is awaiting the results of an ongoing NCAA investigation, and no questions regarding the investigation could be answered.

“The largest regrets I’ve had have been when I’ve disappointed people, when I’ve let people down,” Tressel said. “The mistakes I’ve made are very disappointing. Certainly, I‘m sorry for that.”

Tressel said he has received encouragement from many people through the ordeal……

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE DIRECTLY FROM THE SOURCE PAGE AT THELANTERN.COM BY CLICKING HERE.