By Matt Hladik The University of Cincinnati has taken a major step toward locking in head football coach Luke Fickell for the long haul. Cincinnati officially announced a contract extension for Fickell this morning. News of the deal, which will run through the 2028 season, leaked last week. As part of his new contract, Fickell’s annual salary will increase to $5 million and his staff salary pool will be bumped up to $5.2 million per year. “I’m truly honored to be the head coach of the University of Cincinnati and excited to keep working with our phenomenal student-athletes and administration t…