Iconic Ohio State Coach Named Lieutenant Governor of the State
Former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel has officially been appointed as Ohio’s 67th lieutenant governor as of Wednesday.
Celebrated for his remarkable tenure, Jim Tressel is now assuming the role of lieutenant governor for Ohio.
On Wednesday, Tressel received confirmation from both the Ohio House of Representatives and the state Senate. He previously held the position of head coach for the Buckeyes from 2001 to 2010 and later served as president at both the University of Akron and Youngstown State University. He will now complete the term of former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy left by Vice President J.D. Vance.
Tressel conveyed his confidence in his capability to serve in this governmental position.
Tressel began his career as a graduate assistant at the University of Akron, then transitioned to coaching quarterbacks and wide receivers at Miami University in Ohio, later coaching quarterbacks at Syracuse, and eventually QBs, RBs, and WRs at Ohio State. In 1986, he took the helm as head coach of the Youngstown State Penguins, where he led the team until 2000, securing four NCAA Division I-AA Championships with a record of 135-57-2.
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Tressel began leading the Buckeyes in 2001, achieving an undefeated season and a National Championship in 2002.
His era at Ohio State was marked by notable accomplishments, including two Fiesta Bowl titles, an Alamo Bowl, a Rose Bowl, and a Sugar Bowl, along with two appearances in the National Championship. Under his guidance, the team enjoyed two separate 19-game winning streaks: first from 2002-2003 and again from 2005-2006.
Known as “The Senator” for his composed demeanor and understated style during press conferences, Tressel resigned in 2011 amidst major NCAA violations involving player conduct, which resulted in the vacating of his team’s record. Following this, he served as a consultant for the Indianapolis Colts during the 2011 season.
Upon stepping away from football, Tressel became the Vice President of Strategic Engagement at the University of Akron. He was considered for the presidency of Youngstown State in 2013 but was not selected. After the president’s resignation, he accepted the position in 2014, ultimately retiring in 2022 and departing in 2023.
“Jim has dedicated much of his career to working with and leading young people, and during the remaining two years of my administration, he will directly contribute to education and workforce development,” DeWine stated. “Jim Tressel understands Ohio, shares its values, and is a natural leader.”
Ohio has a notable tradition of electing athletes to political positions.
For instance, Dave Albritton, a high jumper from the 1936 Olympics, served as a state representative from 1961-1972.
Anthony Gonzalez, a former NFL player who appeared in Super Bowl XLIV, represented Ohio’s 16th District in Congress from 2019-2023.
Former NCAA Champion Wrestler and Ohio State wrestling coach Jim Jordan has been a state representative and state senator and is currently serving as the Congressman for Ohio’s 4th District.
Additionally, tennis professional Jim Thomas currently serves in the state House of Representatives.
