Former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel has been appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. Acting Governor Mike DeWine announced this decision, highlighting Tressel’s impressive background, which includes coaching the Ohio State Buckeyes to a National Championship in 2002.
Area reporter Karen Kasler shared the news on Monday morning, stating, “Former Ohio State national championship-winning football coach Jim Tressel, who also served as president of Youngstown State and a vice president at the University of Akron, will be Ohio’s next lieutenant governor, as announced by Gov. Mike DeWine” Kasler wrote on X.
Tressel began his coaching career at Ohio State in the 1980s as an offensive assistant and later had a successful tenure at Youngstown State before returning to Ohio State at the start of the 21st Century. He not only revitalized the program but also transformed the Buckeyes into a national powerhouse, leading them to a National Championship in 2002, along with two additional championship game appearances in 2006 and 2007. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes also triumphed in the Rose Bowl in 2009 against the Oregon Ducks.
Although his coaching career ended abruptly under circumstances that might seem trivial in today’s NIL landscape—which were perceived as harsh at the time—Tressel’s stability remains evident, having previously served as Youngstown State’s Athletic Director. With Tressel now transitioning into government, it will be interesting to see how he applies his leadership skills in his new role.
Tressel has officially moved into the political arena, and time will tell how this chapter unfolds.
