I think it’s more about Fickell’s personality.

He was very slow to leave OSU and view another job as a stepping stone. UC has become just successful enough to feel like he can still build something where he’s comfortable. And unlike Kelly, I believe him when he says he sees Cincinnati as a long-term home.

As for desirability, you’re certainly correct regarding UC’s celeb game. But I’d guess based on my memory of class rankings and geography (but would have to confirm) that Fickell has won some recruiting battles with MSU lately and he sees a ceiling. Of course being able to recruit Ohio would be in Fickell’s favor. But ultimately he sees a similar ceiling at MSU. Saban left. Dantonio, who I think is an excellent coach, topped out at being blown out by Alabama.

I’d guess that if he left for another job, it’d only be a place where he thinks he could win a title. And he probably wouldn’t stray outside the midwest unless offered a tier 1 program with recent major success.