Wisconsin hires Cincinnati's Fickell as next coach

Wisconsin hired Luke Fickell as its next head coach, the school announced Sunday.

The Bearcats became the first Group of 5 team to reach the College Football Playoff last campaign after producing a 13-0 record during the regular season.

Fickell has earned a 57-18 record in six seasons with Cincinnati while developing a reputation as one of the sport's best program builders. The Bearcats have gone 9-3 this season, missing out on a spot in the AAC title game after back-to-back championship wins.

Wisconsin fired Paul Chryst in early October following a 2-3 start to the campaign, with defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard serving as interim coach. Chryst compiled a 67-26 record in eight seasons.

Special teams coordinator Kerry Coombs will be Cincinnati's interim coach, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.