Former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel is set to step into a new role as Ohio’s next lieutenant governor, a position he was nominated for by current Governor Mike DeWine. Tressel, who led the Buckeyes to a national championship and claimed six Big Ten titles during his tenure, will serve for the remaining two years of DeWine’s term. The announcement was made on Monday, with Tressel’s nomination now pending approval from the Ohio House and Senate.
If confirmed, Tressel will take over from Jon Husted, who had previously served as lieutenant governor. Husted was appointed by DeWine to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by JD Vance after Vance’s election to the Vice Presidency. Tressel’s nomination is expected to move through the legislative process smoothly, as Republicans hold strong majorities in both the House and Senate, and DeWine, a fellow Republican, has expressed his full confidence in Tressel’s leadership abilities.
In discussing Tressel’s nomination, Governor DeWine praised the former coach’s leadership qualities, calling him a “born leader” with the right skill set for the job. “He has the requisite skill sets. He has the criteria that I outlined, he knows Ohio,” DeWine said, emphasizing that he trusted Tressel’s judgment and ability to help lead the state forward.
Tressel’s path to this role has been anything but conventional. He resigned from his position as Ohio State’s head coach in 2011 amid a scandal involving NCAA violations. However, his career didn’t end there. After leaving Ohio State, Tressel transitioned to academia, becoming the president of Youngstown State University. During his tenure there from 2014 until his retirement in 2023, Tressel led the university to raise over $150 million and continued to build on his reputation as a leader both on and off the field.
Now, Tressel will focus on education and workforce development in his new role, areas that DeWine highlighted as top priorities for his administration. The governor expressed confidence that Tressel’s experience would make him a strong advocate for Ohioans in these crucial sectors. Although DeWine is nearing the end of his second and final term and will not be eligible for re-election, he has not yet discussed the possibility of Tressel running for governor after his term ends.
Tressel, for his part, has remained committed to the role of lieutenant governor for the time being. In a statement, he emphasized his determination to focus on the governor’s agenda. “This is really a humbling moment,” Tressel said. “I believe in our governor and what he believes in. I promised for the next 699 days to have a singleness of purpose and singleness of focus, which is to serve the needs that the governor outlines.” Tressel’s pledge to stay focused and dedicated to Ohio’s future shows his commitment to the state’s goals and to supporting the leadership of Governor DeWine.
Governor DeWine also expressed his strong personal belief in Tressel’s values, noting that they share similar principles and a common vision for Ohio. “I wanted someone who shared my values, Ohio’s values. Someone who can pull people together. I want someone who shares my vision for the state of Ohio and that is we want everyone to live up to their God-given potential,” DeWine explained.
Although Tressel has never held political office, his name has often been floated as a potential candidate for various political roles over the years. He was once rumored as a potential contender for a U.S. Senate seat, though he publicly declined the notion in 2021, citing his commitments at Youngstown State University. Despite the surprise nature of his nomination, Tressel’s leadership in sports and education has made him a well-known figure in Ohio, and his new role as lieutenant governor reflects the trust that Governor DeWine has placed in him to help guide the state into the future.
With his nomination process expected to be a formality, Tressel’s appointment could represent a significant new chapter in both his career and Ohio’s political landscape. As he prepares to serve as lieutenant governor, Tressel is eager to bring his experience, leadership, and vision for Ohio to the forefront, ensuring the state continues to thrive in the years ahead.
