Ex-Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel named Ohio Lt. Gov.

Field Level Media|published: Mon 10th February, 12:52 2025

August 31, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel walks the sideline before Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game between the Akron Zips and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium.

Jim Tressel, who coached Ohio State to the 2002 national championship, was named lieutenant governor of Ohio on Monday.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine tapped Tressel to replace Jon Husted, whom DeWine chose to replace Vice President J.D. Vance in the U.S. Senate.

"My criteria, No. 1, the most important thing is someone who could serve as governor if something were to happen to me over the next 100 weeks," DeWine said in his announcement on Monday. "Second, I want someone who can really contribute."

DeWine added, "I wanted someone who knew Ohio."

Tressel, 72, went 106-22 at Ohio State, including 9-1 against Michigan, though his record was adjusted to 94-21 by the NCAA after an investigation found he used ineligible players over improper benefits violations during the 2010 season. The Buckeyes reached the BCS Championship game in 2006 and 2007, both losses. He also led Division I-AA Youngstown State to four national championships in 15 years.

Tressel went on to become president at Youngstown State from 2014-23.

Tressel will have to be confirmed by the Ohio state Senate.

--Field Level Media