Mike Mickens Inducted Into Cincinnati Hall of Fame

Mike Mickens, currently Notre Dame's defensive backs coach and a former Cincinnati Bearcats star, has been inducted into the University of Cincinnati’s James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class. Mickens played for Cincinnati from 2005 to 2008, setting school records for interceptions and return yards while earning multiple All-American and All-Big East honors. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and played briefly in the NFL and CFL before a knee injury ended his playing career. Mickens began his coaching career at Cincinnati and later returned as cornerbacks coach, where he mentored future NFL standout Sauce Gardner. Since joining Notre Dame's staff in 2020, Mickens has helped develop one of the nation's top defensive secondaries. The Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled for October 2025 during Cincinnati’s homecoming weekend, celebrating Mickens and other influential Bearcats athletes.