Urban Meyer Names Big Ten Head Coach One of His ‘Favorite’ Assistants Ever originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Urban Meyer is known for his time with the Florida Gators, but he also had plenty of success with the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2012-18.
Meyer won two national titles with Florida in 2006 and 2008 and won another with Ohio State in 2014.
On a recent episode of “The Triple Option,” Meyer named one of his “favorite” assistants and chose Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell.
Fickell was a part of Meyer’s coaching staff in 2014 as the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Fickell’s defensive coordinator duties were split with Chris Ash, who coached safeties as well.
Ohio State’s defense allowed 22 points, 201.1 passing yards and 141.3 rushing yards per game under the guidance of Fickell and Ash.
“He is a tough, undersized nose guard as a player,” Meyer said. “A tough cat. A worker, a grinder. And then number two, competitor. You know, I’d have to tell him to calm down sometimes at spring practice because he’d want to win every drill. So Luke Fickell, number one tough. Number two, competitive, and he loves players. He really cares deeply about them. …I know he’s had a tough start at Wisconsin, but one of my favorite coaches and favorite guys I’ve ever had.”
Fickell started his head coaching career with the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Bearcats had a remarkable season under Fickell in 2021, becoming the first Group of 5 program to make the College Football Playoff.
Cincinnati’s season ended with a 27-6 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Cotton Bowl.
He accepted the Wisconsin head coaching job in 2022 and has an even record of 13-13 heading into the upcoming season. Fickell has taken the Badgers to two bowl games and is 1-1.
Meyer’s impact was felt throughout the Big Ten and not just at Ohio State. Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema credited Meyer for bringing the SEC-style offense from Florida to the conference.
At Meyer’s former program, Florida, things are trending in the right direction. Head coach Billy Napier went 8-5 in 2024, which was his first winning season.
Meyer predicted another winning season for Napier and the Gators.
The Gators open the year with Long Island on August 30.
Related: Urban Meyer Reveals Best Conference in College Football Without Hesitation
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.