Family kept Luke Fickell from leaving UC Bearcats for Michigan State

In an interview with Cincinnati Bearcats play-by-play voice Dan Hoard, Luke Fickell said the main reason he stayed at UC instead of leaving for the Michigan State Spartans was family, in addition to the relationships he's built as the head coach of the Bearcats.

"I know that at some point in time, things always come to an end. Whether they get rid of you, kids leave, there are all kinds of things," Fickell told Hoard. "But the bottom line is - first and foremost - family. Obviously my family loves it here. ... But also the relationships we've built. To have this class coming in that's very, very, very special ... it was a unique time for me and the family and all in all, we have to step back and make a selfish decision. ... But this selfish decision was what was right for my family. And that is to be here, to be with you guys, and to continue to do what it is we've done. ... Just trying to make a decision that was best for everybody. ... I think that what I love about it is the excitement that we've got in the program."

YouTube video of the interview:

The University of Cincinnati athletic department refused to make Fickell available for comment Monday and instead posted the video of the interview by Hoard. Fickell also did not respond to requests for comment by The Enquirer.

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