OSU co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell walks out of the Buckeyes' locker room before a game against Maryland on Nov. 12. Credit: Alexa Mavrogianis | Photo Editor

OSU co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell walks out of the Buckeyes’ locker room before a game against Maryland on Nov. 12. Credit: Alexa Mavrogianis | Photo Editor

Ohio State co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell is underway with contract negotiations to become the Cincinnati Bearcats head football coach next season. The Bearcats fired Tommy Tuberville from the position on Dec. 4 after a 4-8 season.

Fickell has served as a member on the OSU staff since 2002 when he was a special teams coordinator. He has been one of the defensive coordinators for OSU since 2005.

Fickell stepped in as interim head coach in 2011 following the departure of then-coach Jim Tressel amid NCAA violations. Fickell led the Buckeyes to a 6-7 season and loss in the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl.

Once Urban Meyer took over as head coach of OSU, Fickell resumed his duties as defensive coordinator. He currently shares the defensive play-calling responsibilities with Greg Schiano.

BearcatReport.com initially reported the story.