BC plugs hole on offense with Bicknell Jr.
The evolving story that has been the Boston College offensive line took another turn yesterday when coach Jeff Jagodzinski hired Jack Bicknell Jr. as offensive line coach.
Bicknell replaces Jim Turner, who resigned Monday. Bicknell has strong ties to BC, as an ex-Eagle center and the son of former coach Jack Bicknell.
Bicknell arrives from Texas Tech, where he had been hired as the offensive line coach in January. Bicknell was fired by Louisiana Tech in December after eight seasons as head coach (1999-2006). Louisiana Tech went 3-10 last season and was 42-53 in Bicknell's tenure.
The move was not cheap for BC. To get Bicknell, who was offered the job of tight ends coach when Jagodzinski was hired in December, the Eagles added the title of assistant head coach and doled out a hefty, three-year deal in excess of $200,000 per season, according to sources at the school. BC will also pay Turner's contract for another year.
"This is an exciting addition to our football program," Jagodzinski said in a statement. "The Bicknell family has played a major role in the history of Boston College football. Not only is Jack a BC man, he brings a wealth of experience to this position. This is a tremendous fit for our staff."
Bicknell, who played on the 1984 Cotton Bowl team led by Doug Flutie, started his coaching career as a grad assistant at BC in 1985.
"It was a no-brainer for me," said Bicknell, who will be in Boston today and will attend tomorrow's spring game. "I love the place so much. To me, it was two words: home and family. And it was coming back to my alma mater. It can't get any better than that." 