Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell celebrates with junior cornerback Doran Grant (12) following an interception during a game against Purdue Nov. 2 at Ross-Ade Stadium. OSU won, 56-0. Credit: Ritika Shah / Asst. photo editor

Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell celebrates with junior cornerback Doran Grant (12) following an interception during a game against Purdue Nov. 2 at Ross-Ade Stadium. OSU won, 56-0.
Credit: Ritika Shah / Asst. photo editor

Ohio State defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell reportedly interviewed Tuesday for the vacant Florida Atlantic head coaching position, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

According to the report, FAU Athletic Director Pat Chun was in Columbus Tuesday morning to conduct the interview, but an FAU spokeswoman did not confirm that to The Lantern Tuesday afternoon.

“Pat Chun, Florida Atlantic’s Director of Athletics has stated (publicly) that he will have no comment concerning the coaching vacancy until it is complete,” the spokeswoman said, in an email.

The coaching position became available last week, after former Owl coach Carl Pelini resigned following allegations he was seen using illegal drugs.

Fickell is set to earn $600,000 in 2013, the highest amount among current Buckeye assistants. He served as OSU interim head coach during the 2011 season, after former head coach Jim Tressel resigned in wake of Tattoo-gate, where several former Buckeyes were found to be receiving improper benefits.

An OSU spokesman told The Lantern in an email he is “not aware of personnel plans for other schools.”