Eric Boggs
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine made a monumental announcement on Monday, naming former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel as the new lieutenant governor of Ohio. Tressel steps into the role following the departure of Jon Husted, who assumed office as a U.S. Senator after J.D. Vance became Vice President of the United States in January.
For Buckeye Nation, this appointment is nothing short of a perfect fit. Tressel, a man who embodies the values, leadership, and determination of Ohioans, most recently served as the president of Youngstown State University. His tenure at Youngstown spanned from May 2014 until his retirement in February 2023, where he left a lasting impact on the institution and the broader Ohio community.
When asked about his decision to accept the position, Tressel credited his wife, Ellen, for her unwavering support and guidance.
“She said, ‘It sounds like God has more work for you to do. And you know we owe just about everything in our blessed lives to the state of Ohio.’ And she said, ‘If the governor thinks you can help in the state of Ohio, we should consider it,’” Tressel recalled. “And I always do what Ellen says. So we began the conversation.”
Governor DeWine expressed his confidence in Tressel, emphasizing the qualities that made him the ideal choice for lieutenant governor.
“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.”
When asked if he would consider running for governor in 2026, Tressel made it clear that his focus remains firmly on his new role.
“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, referencing his legendary speech at an Ohio State basketball game about beating Michigan after being hired as Ohio State’s head coach. “Now I have a 699-day singleness of focus.”
A proud native of Mentor, Ohio, Tressel led the Buckeyes from 2001 to 2010, guiding Ohio State to a national championship in just his second season in 2002. During his decade at the helm, he compiled an impressive 106-23 record, including a dominant 9-1 record against Michigan—forever solidifying his status as a Buckeye legend.
While his time in Columbus ended amid the “Tattoo-Gate” controversy in 2011, Buckeye fans have never wavered in their admiration for Tressel. His impact on the program and his relentless commitment to excellence remain a defining chapter in Ohio State’s storied football history. After a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2011, Tressel transitioned into higher education administration, where he continued to demonstrate his leadership abilities, first at the University of Akron and later at Youngstown State.
At The OHIO Podcast, we couldn’t be more excited to see Coach Tressel continue to serve the great state of Ohio. His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to Ohio’s success make him the perfect choice for lieutenant governor. As Buckeye fans, we know one thing for sure—when Jim Tressel sets his sights on a goal, success follows. We’re proud to have him back in a position of influence, and we know he’ll continue to make Ohio proud. O-H!
