Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell is the front-runner to replace Mark Dantonio as Michigan State's football coach, multiple sources with knowledge of the athletic department's thinking told the Free Press on Tuesday.

No deal is currently in place, the sources said.

Dantonio retired as MSU's coach on Tuesday, ending a 13-year run that included three Big Ten titles, a Rose Bowl victory and a College Football Playoff berth. He is the program's all-time winningest coach with a 114-57 record in East Lansing. His overall record is 132-74, including three years at Cincinnati.

[ Mike Valenti melts down after Dantonio's sudden retirement: 'Absolutely weak' ]

Fickell, 46, coached Cincinnati to an 11-3 record this season, including a win in the Birmingham Bowl. Hired to coach the Bearcats in 2017, he would owe Cincinnati a $2 million buyout if he leaves for another job before Dec. 31, 2020, according to his contract obtained by USA TODAY Sports in June.

Fickell has a 32-20 career record, including 6-7 in his one season as Ohio State's interim coach in 2011.