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Tommy Tuberville's next challenge is to turn Cincinnati's already successful football program into something interesting enough to bring out the crowds and get other conferences interested, too.

It would help if he stuck around for a while.

The 58-year-old coach from Texas Tech brought a high-profile name to the football program when he was hired as head coach on Saturday. His predecessors were up-and-comers — an assistant at Ohio State, two Mid-American Conference coaches — who used the job as a career launch point.

The Bearcats hope Tuberville helps them become more than just a stepping stone.

Mainly, he has to sell the program.

The Bearcats (9-3) have won or shared the Big East title in four of the last five seasons, but have trouble drawing fans.