After six incredibly successful seasons at the helm, Luke Fickell has departed Cincinnati for Wisconsin ,with Kerry Coombs taking over as the interim coach. As the Bearcats move to the Big 12 this coming season, this search is among the most important in school history for their long-term stability.

Luke Fickell’s annual salary at Cincinnati was $5 million, and he had roughly the same amount to spend on his assistants. So, we know the Bearcats have the kind of capital needed to hire Fickell’s replacement and not miss a beat as they shift towardsBig 12 play.

Let’s take a look at three of the best fits for the Cincinnati football job, in no particular order, and thus who might be roaming the sideline at Nippert Stadium in 2023.

3. Jesse Minter, Defensive Coordinator, Michigan

Jesse Minter, head of one of the most impressive units in all of college football this season, is a rising star in the coaching world. He has been a coordinator for exactly two seasons, leading Clark Lea’s defense at Vanderbilt before taking the job at Michigan this season. The inexperience may be a concern, but sometimes as a program you’ve got to take the risk that you’ve found a gem before anyone else.