TicketsCINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati football head coach Luke Fickell named three additional assistants to his 2018 on-field staff Wednesday.
Brian Mason, who served as the Bearcats' director of recruiting in 2017, is the program's 10th assistant coach and will serve as special teams coordinator, former All-American defensive back Mike Mickens returns to his alma mater to coach the cornerbacks and veteran assistant Steve Stripling returns to coach the defensive line.
Mason Bio | Mickens Bio | Stripling Bio
"We were able to hire coaches we are excited about and who want to be a part of our program," Fickell said. "All three fit the mold of being great teachers, great motivators and great men. All three have Cincinnati ties which is important for what we are trying to build here. We are excited to close out this recruiting cycle and get back on the field for spring football."
Prior to joining the UC staff a year ago, Mason spent eight years coaching at Ohio State, Purdue, Kent State and Bluffton. During his time with the Bearcats, Mason oversaw a recruiting operation which helped UC sign two consecutive highly-rated recruiting classes ranked at the top of the American Athletic Conference.
Fickell also announced position group changes on the offensive side of the ball. Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock will add responsibility for the tight ends, Gino Guidugli will coach quarterbacks and Doug Phillips will mentor the running backs. Ron Crook and Joker Phillips will continue with the offensive line and wide receiver groups, respectively.
Also returning in 2018 are defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Marcus Freeman, director of football sports performance Brady Collins and safeties coach Jon Tenuta.
// RESERVE TICKETS NOW!
Season ticket deposits for 2018 can be reserved now by calling 1-877-CATS-TIX or visiting www.GoBEARCATS.com/tickets.
// FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
For all the latest information on Cincinnati football, please visit GoBEARCATS.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow Cincinnati football (@GoBearcatsFB) and Coach Fickell (@CoachFick) on Twitter. You can also find the Bearcats on Instagram and Facebook.
Brian Mason, who served as the Bearcats' director of recruiting in 2017, is the program's 10th assistant coach and will serve as special teams coordinator, former All-American defensive back Mike Mickens returns to his alma mater to coach the cornerbacks and veteran assistant Steve Stripling returns to coach the defensive line.
Mason Bio | Mickens Bio | Stripling Bio
"We were able to hire coaches we are excited about and who want to be a part of our program," Fickell said. "All three fit the mold of being great teachers, great motivators and great men. All three have Cincinnati ties which is important for what we are trying to build here. We are excited to close out this recruiting cycle and get back on the field for spring football."
Previously our Director of Recruiting, @Mason_BM joins our #Bearcats coaching staff! pic.twitter.com/tKPM5UxaA3
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) January 24, 2018
Prior to joining the UC staff a year ago, Mason spent eight years coaching at Ohio State, Purdue, Kent State and Bluffton. During his time with the Bearcats, Mason oversaw a recruiting operation which helped UC sign two consecutive highly-rated recruiting classes ranked at the top of the American Athletic Conference.
Mickens, UC's career interceptions leader with 14, joins the coaching staff after four years coaching corners at Bowling Green. He has also spent time on the staffs at Idaho and Indiana State. The 2011 UC graduate was a Football Writers Association of American All-America selection in 2007 and a 2008 Playboy All-American.Welcome back @CoachMickens to the #Bearcats family! pic.twitter.com/YLdgj9UjhN
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) January 24, 2018
Stripling a veteran of more than 40 years in the coaching ranks, returns to UC after a five-year stint at Tennessee as the Vols associate head coach/defensive line coach (2013-16) and director of football program development/chief of staff (2017). He was previously at UC from 2010-12 as assistant head coach/defensive line coach and added the title of defensive run game coordinator from 2011-12. He served as the Bearcats' interim head coach for the 2012 Belk Bowl, leading UC to a thrilling, come-from-behind 48-34 win over Duke. During his career, Stripling has played or coached in 25 bowl games and helped teams to six conference championships.Last but not least, @UCCoachStrip returns to the #Bearcats coaching staff! pic.twitter.com/ojhPjJpnrI
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) January 24, 2018
Fickell also announced position group changes on the offensive side of the ball. Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock will add responsibility for the tight ends, Gino Guidugli will coach quarterbacks and Doug Phillips will mentor the running backs. Ron Crook and Joker Phillips will continue with the offensive line and wide receiver groups, respectively.
Also returning in 2018 are defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Marcus Freeman, director of football sports performance Brady Collins and safeties coach Jon Tenuta.
// RESERVE TICKETS NOW!
Season ticket deposits for 2018 can be reserved now by calling 1-877-CATS-TIX or visiting www.GoBEARCATS.com/tickets.
// FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
For all the latest information on Cincinnati football, please visit GoBEARCATS.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow Cincinnati football (@GoBearcatsFB) and Coach Fickell (@CoachFick) on Twitter. You can also find the Bearcats on Instagram and Facebook.