Cincinnati in negotiations with Ohio State assistant Luke Fickell

Talks between Cincinnati and Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell to become its next coach are progressing but not complete, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the negotiations are supposed to be private.

The person stressed there are still key points to be sorted out and the talks could still break down, but it's clear Cincinnati has identified Fickell as the focus of its search to replace Tommy Tuberville. 

Fickell, 43, played at Ohio State and has coached there since 1999 except for a two-year stint in Akron (2000-01). Fickell was the Buckeyes interim coach in 2011 after the firing of Jim Tressel and was credited with holding the program together under difficult circumstances. Ohio State finished 6-7 that season before hiring Urban Meyer, who kept Fickell on his staff.

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