I'm don't know, but when you don't show up when a recruit is coming in, that is bad. I don't care if the recruiting group was in a mess or not.
https://www.outkick.com/sports/embarrassing-report-paints-unflattering-picture-of-paul-chrysts-recruiting-at-wisconsin
This was one of the main reasons why I knew Chryst had checked out.
As far as Fickell -- I simply don't think he is a good leader. I'm not sure how he got things to pan out in Cincinnati, but I don't see players on the team willing to go to bat for much of anything. When the Badgers scored at the end of the game against Maryland, I would have liked him to at least clap his hands and use that as a motivation for the bye week. Heck, at the end of the Alabama game, why not work hard at the end and try to score. Instead, it was lolly-gag fest. That is on the coach.
During Fickell's first year, we sat in the 15th row behind the Badger bench against Buffalo. The offensive line was terrible -- poor fundamentals and stupid penalties. Finally after they pooped the bed to start the second half, one of the coaches got in the face of the offensive line. Then, they played well.
I'm not sold that another year or two is going to solve anything because Fickell needs to be a head coach. He needs to lead the men who are on the team and also the coaches that are working with them. Perhaps there is some mentoring. I think I know why Ohio State didn't choose him as their coach.