Feb. 10 (UPI) — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has selected Jim Tressel, a former Ohio State football coach and past president of Youngstown State University, as his nominee for lieutenant governor. If confirmed by the state legislature, Tressel, 72, will replace Jon Husted, who recently moved to the U.S. Senate after JD Vance became vice president.
DeWine and Husted have worked together since their election in 2018, but DeWine is nearing the end of his term. The governor praised Tressel’s leadership and problem-solving skills, calling him “a guy with ideas” who can make meaningful contributions to the state.
Tressel has long been seen as a potential political candidate, though he has not confirmed whether he intends to run for governor in 2026. That election is expected to feature a Republican primary contest between Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
Governor DeWine emphasized that Tressel is fully prepared to step in as governor if necessary. Tressel admitted that the nomination came as a surprise, recalling that he initially thought DeWine’s visit to his home was simply to watch his grandchildren’s basketball game. His wife, Ellen, saw the nomination as a calling, telling him, “It sounds like God has more work for you to do.”
Tressel is best known for leading Ohio State to a national championship in 2002 and coaching the Buckeyes from 2001 to 2010, finishing with a 106-22 record. However, he resigned in 2011 following an NCAA investigation into players trading memorabilia for tattoos. After a brief stint as a consultant for the Indianapolis Colts, he transitioned into higher education, serving as president of Youngstown State University from 2014 to 2023.
In addition to his coaching and administrative career, Tressel was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015 and joined the Board of Trustees at Baldwin Wallace University in 2024. Reflecting on his journey, he described himself as “an educator” at heart.
Outgoing Lieutenant Governor Husted praised DeWine’s selection, writing on X that Tressel is “a winner” who will continue efforts to strengthen Ohio’s economy and workforce.
