Luke Fickell was included on the recently-revealed preseason award watch l..."/> Luke Fickell was included on the recently-revealed preseason award watch l..."/>
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Cincinnati Football: Luke Fickell included on Coach of the Year preseason watch list

By Charles Post

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban speaks with Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell before 2021 Cotton Bowl. USA Today.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban speaks with Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell before 2021 Cotton Bowl. USA Today. /
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After winning the 2021 Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year, Luke Fickell was included on the recently-revealed preseason award watch list heading into the upcoming campaign. Fickell was the only head coach from the American Athletic Conference to appear on the list, which included the top 20 coaches in the country.

Fickell led the Bearcats to an undefeated regular season en route to a second consecutive AAC championship and a trip to the College Football Playoff last year, which elevated him into the upper echelon of head coaches. Following a disappointing first season under Fickell in 2017, the Bearcats have gone 44-7 in the last four years.

Cincinnati Football: Luke Fickell included on Coach of the Year preseason watch list

"Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation, explained the award process per a press release: “What separates the Dodd Trophy is our commitment to recognizing all that these coaches do, not only on the football field, but in the classroom and throughout their communities as well.”"

Dabo Swinney, Nick Saban, Kirk Ferentz and Kyle Whittingham joined Fickell as previous winners that were included on the preseason watch list. All of the finalists from last season (Dave Aranda, Dave Clawson, Jim Harbaugh and Pat Narduzzi) were also named alongside Fickell. The SEC led all conferences with six coaches on the list.

In addition to the annual award, the foundation honors the Dodd Coach of the Week throughout the regular season. The midseason watch list will be released in the fall, followed by the winner being announced prior to the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta.

"“Never has strong leadership been more imperative than it is now in our sport,” Peach Bowl President Gary Stokan said via press release. “Each of these coaches have continued to find success and navigate an ever-evolving college football landscape to lead their student athletes to new heights both on the football field and in the classroom.”"