Jim Tressel has always had a way with people. So much so, the former Ohio State football head coach was often referred to as “The Senator.” The nickname was an ode to his calm demeanor and being able to relate to all. Tress won’t be heading to the Senate anytime soon, but he will be joining a different branch of government as Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine has named Tressel Lieutenant Governor.

The position became available after the 2024 Presidential Election when newly elected Vice President, J.D. Vance, had to vacate his U.S. Senate seat in January when he began his new job as VP. Jon Husted, the former Lieutenant Governor, replaced Vance in the Senate, leaving the Lieutenant Governor position open.

After leaving Ohio State in 2011 amid turmoil from players receiving free tattoos for memorabilia, Tressel has served in a variety of administrative roles, most recently as the President of Youngstown State University where he was the head football coach before coming to OSU in 2001. Tressel retired from YSU in 2023.

DeWine made the announcement during a press conference on Monday where Tressel was present and answered questions as well.

“I wanted someone that knew Ohio … I wanted someone whose judgment I felt was very, very good,” DeWine said. “I wanted someone who was a leader. Someone who is used to making decisions. Someone who listens, weighs the different options, and then comes to a conclusion. I want someone, frankly, who shared Ohio values – my values, Ohio’s values. Someone also, though, who could pull people together.”

The former head coach was asked if he might consider running for Governor when DeWine’s term comes to an end in 2026. Tressel harkened his words from the famous speech given at an Ohio State basketball game. “I remember about 25 years ago, I said to a group in Columbus that I had my sights set on 310 days later, and that was my singleness of focus,” Tressel Said. “Now I have a 699-day singleness of focus.” Sounds like he’s not ruling the idea out and would probably be a popular pick.

You can see the entire press conference below.

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