Former OSU Coach Jim Tressel Tapped as Ohio's Next Lieutenant Governor

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has chosen former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel as the state's next lieutenant governor.

Tressel will fill the role left vacant by Jon Husted, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate following JD Vance's election as vice president. The decision, announced Monday, signals a shift from the gridiron to government for the longtime coach and former Youngstown State University president.

Why It Matters

Tressel's appointment comes as Ohio prepares for a major political reshuffling ahead of the 2026 governor's race. With prominent Republicans eyeing the position, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Attorney General Dave Yost, DeWine's choice raises questions about whether he is setting up another contender. Tressel's leadership experience and deep ties to Ohio make him a notable, if unconventional, pick for the role.

Tressel's History

Tressel, 72 and a Cleveland native, holds degrees in education from Baldwin-Wallace College and the University of Akron. He made a name for himself as head coach at Youngstown State, leading the team for 15 years before moving to Ohio State. As the Buckeyes head coach from 2001 to 2010, Tressel led the team to six Big Ten titles, nine bowl appearances and a national championship in 2002. His tenure ended in 2011 after an NCAA investigation into players receiving improper benefits.

Following his coaching career, Tressel shifted to higher education administration, serving as executive vice president for Student Success at the University of Akron. In 2014, he returned to Youngstown State as president, a role he held until his retirement in 2023. He has since focused on workforce and economic development efforts in Ohio.

A registered Republican, Tressel voiced his support for DeWine's leadership but acknowledged that he is new to politics. "I believe in our governor and what he believes in, and my first job is to go to school on that," Tressel said. He also expressed a commitment to teamwork, drawing from his coaching experience.

Tressel said he had no immediate political ambitions beyond serving as lieutenant governor, and DeWine confirmed they had not discussed a possible run for governor in 2026. For now, Tressel is focused on learning the ropes and contributing to Ohio's leadership.

DeWine's History

DeWine has served as the 70th governor of Ohio since 2019, bringing decades of experience in law and politics to the role. A Republican, DeWine previously held positions as Ohio's attorney general, a U.S. senator and a U.S. representative.

Born in Yellow Springs, Ohio, DeWine earned his bachelor's degree from Miami University in 1969 and his law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1972. He began his legal career as an assistant prosecutor in Greene County before being elected county prosecutor. His political career took off in 1980 when he joined the Ohio Senate, later serving as a U.S. representative from 1983 to 1991. He then became Ohio's lieutenant governor under George Voinovich.

In 1994, DeWine won a U.S. Senate seat in a Republican wave, serving until 2007 when he lost reelection to Sherrod Brown. He returned to office in 2011 as Ohio's attorney general, where he served two terms before winning the governorship in 2018.

During his first term as governor, DeWine pushed for stronger gun control measures following a mass shooting in Dayton and gained national attention for his COVID-19 response, implementing restrictions and directing resources to vulnerable populations. He secured reelection in 2022 with a decisive victory over Democrat Nan Whaley.

What To Know

Tressel said he was shocked by DeWine's offer, saying he initially thought the governor was just stopping by to watch his grandkids play basketball. Despite his surprise, Tressel quickly committed, referencing his famed pledge to defeat Michigan during his OSU coaching days. "Now, I have a 699-day singleness of focus," he said, marking the time left in DeWine's term.

Tressel's appointment still requires confirmation from the Ohio House and Senate, where Republicans hold a strong majority. Senate President Rob McColley praised Tressel's career, saying he has spent years "guiding our youth on both the gridiron as a coach and in the classroom as a college president."

Tressel, a Mentor native known as "the senator" for his composed demeanor, has never held public office but has long been a respected figure in Ohio. He resigned from OSU amid the NCAA investigation that resulted in vacated wins from the 2010 season but his reputation in the state remains largely positive, particularly among Buckeye fans.

DeWine said Tressel will use his higher education background to help Ohio's business and education sectors. Tressel acknowledged he faces a steep learning curve.

What People Are Saying

DeWine about Tressel during a news conference: "He knows Ohio. He is a born leader. He's been a leader wherever he has been."

Tressel, during the same news conference: "I'm going to work like crazy to try to learn all that I can learn and contribute all that I can contribute."

What Happens Next

If confirmed, Tressel will serve as lieutenant governor for the remainder of DeWine's term. Whether this appointment is a short-term political move or the start of a larger political career remains to be seen. For now, Tressel is shifting his competitive spirit from football to governance, vowing to work just as hard for Ohioans as he once did for Buckeye Nation.