Jim Tressel

Jim Tressel
Name	Jim Tressel
Caption	Tressel in 2010
Birth date	5 December 1952
Birth place	Mentor, Ohio, U.S.
Alma mater	Baldwin Wallace University
Occupation	College football coach, University administrator
Spouse	Ellen Tressel

Jim Tressel. James Patrick Tressel is a former American football coach and university administrator best known for his highly successful tenure leading the Ohio State Buckeyes football program. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes captured a national championship in 2002 and won or shared seven Big Ten Conference titles. His coaching career, which began at the I-AA level, was later impacted by a major NCAA rules violation, leading to his departure from Ohio State University and a subsequent career in academic leadership at the University of Akron.

Early life and education

Born in Mentor, Ohio, he was immersed in football from a young age as the son of legendary Baldwin Wallace University coach Lee Tressel. He attended Berea High School before following in his father's footsteps at Baldwin Wallace University, where he played quarterback for the Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets. He earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1975 and later received a master's degree from the University of Akron. His early coaching mentors included his father and Earle Bruce, for whom he served as a graduate assistant at The Ohio State University.

Coaching career

Tressel's full-time coaching career began in 1975 at the University of Akron, working under coach Jim Dennison. He then returned to Baldwin Wallace University as an assistant before a pivotal move to Ohio State University as a quarterbacks coach under Earle Bruce. In 1986, he secured his first head coach position at Youngstown State University, taking over the Youngstown State Penguins football program. Over 15 seasons there, he built a I-AA powerhouse, leading the Penguins to four national championships in 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997.

Ohio State tenure

Hired in 2001 to revive the Ohio State Buckeyes football program, Tressel quickly restored its rivalry dominance, most notably against the Michigan Wolverines. His second season culminated in a dramatic Fiesta Bowl victory over the Miami Hurricanes to claim the national title. His teams consistently competed in major bowl games like the Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and BCS National Championship Game. However, his tenure ended in 2011 following the tattoo scandal, where he was found to have violated NCAA rules by not reporting player infractions, leading to his resignation.

Post-coaching career

Following his departure from Ohio State University, Tressel transitioned into university administration. He first served as a consultant for the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League. In 2012, he returned to higher education as the Vice President for Strategic Engagement at the University of Akron. He was later appointed President of Youngstown State University in 2014, a role he held until his retirement in 2023. In this position, he focused on campus initiatives and community engagement in the Youngstown area.

Personal life

He is married to Ellen Tressel, and the couple has four children. His family has deep ties to Ohio and its academic institutions. His brother, Dick Tressel, also had a long career as a football coach, including a stint on his staff at Ohio State University. Tressel is known for his devout Christianity and his involvement in various charitable organizations throughout Ohio.

Legacy and honors

Tressel's legacy is complex, defined by both extraordinary on-field success and significant controversy. He is celebrated for his national championship victory, his record in The Game against Michigan, and his development of players like Troy Smith and A.J. Hawk. He was a multiple-time Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year and Paul "Bear" Bryant Award winner. However, the NCAA violations and subsequent sanctions at Ohio State University remain a central part of his story. He is a member of the Youngstown State University and Baldwin Wallace University halls of fame.

Category:American football coaches Category:Ohio State University people Category:Youngstown State University people