Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Nominates Jim Tressel, Former Ohio State Football Coach, as Next Lieutenant Governor
In a surprising move that has caught the attention of Ohio’s political scene, Governor Mike DeWine has nominated Jim Tressel, the legendary former Ohio State University football coach, to be the state’s next lieutenant governor. Tressel, who is best known for his leadership of the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2002, now stands poised to take on a new challenge in the world of politics. At a press conference on Monday, DeWine, a Republican, praised Tressel for his thought leadership and his ability to generate innovative ideas that could help shape Ohio’s future.
“I want someone who every single day is working to come up with ideas, and this is a guy with ideas,” DeWine said, referring to Tressel. “And they’re thoughtful and they’re based on what he has seen and what he has learned.”
Tressel, 72, has built a career rooted in leadership, education, and community involvement. While many might know him for his athletic accomplishments, his tenure at Ohio State, and his time coaching the Youngstown State Penguins to four NCAA Division I-AA national championships, Tressel’s work extends far beyond the football field. Most recently, he served as the president of Youngstown State University, where he focused on advancing education, workforce development, and economic growth in the region.
Tressel’s appointment, however, is not final. The nomination still requires confirmation by the Ohio legislature before he can officially take the position. If confirmed, Tressel would succeed Jon Husted, DeWine’s former running mate, who was recently appointed to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Vice President J.D. Vance’s election. Tressel would join DeWine’s administration at a time when the state’s political landscape is shifting, with term limits restricting DeWine’s ability to seek a third consecutive term.
The nomination of Tressel has sent ripples through Ohio’s political scene, especially as it could set the stage for future campaigns. Tressel’s entry into state politics comes as Governor DeWine, who has led Ohio since 2019, faces a deadline in 2026 due to term limits, making the 2026 gubernatorial election wide open. Tressel’s potential candidacy for the state’s top office has been a topic of speculation for some time, but so far, he has refrained from confirming any plans to run for governor. With Attorney General Dave Yost already seeking the Republican nomination and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy expected to enter the race, Tressel’s next political steps remain uncertain, though his nomination for lieutenant governor places him in a strategic position for the future.
Tressel’s candidacy for lieutenant governor is noteworthy not only for his football legacy but also for his years of service to higher education. As the president of Youngstown State University, he focused on workforce development, economic growth, and building strong ties with the local community. His leadership style has earned him respect from both Republicans and Democrats, and his ability to work with various groups is seen as one of his most valuable traits in public service. Tressel has long been a prominent figure in Ohio’s political circles, often mentioned as a potential candidate for office, but he has never run for political office himself—until now.
While his nomination was met with surprise by some, Tressel expressed humility when asked about it. "It was a surprise for sure," he said during the press conference on Monday. “I never imagined being in this position, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve.”
Tressel’s rise to political prominence comes after a tumultuous chapter in his career that involved stepping down as head coach of Ohio State in 2011. The resignation followed a scandal in which several players were found to have violated NCAA rules by selling memorabilia to a tattoo parlor. The ensuing investigation and sanctions led to Tressel's departure from the university, but he quickly rebounded with a successful tenure at Youngstown State, where his leadership in fostering academic excellence and promoting community development were widely lauded.
In addition to his work in higher education, Tressel has played a significant role in fundraising efforts, including supporting former Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, a Republican from Ohio who had played football under Tressel at Ohio State. Despite his extensive background in both athletics and education, Tressel’s nomination to the lieutenant governor position signals a pivot toward full-time political involvement, and many are curious to see how he will transition from the world of sports and academia to the political arena.
Ohio’s political landscape is currently in flux due to several key changes. The most significant shift is Husted’s move to the U.S. Senate, which leaves an opening for the lieutenant governor role. Tressel’s nomination by DeWine, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election as governor in 2026, raises the possibility that Tressel could eventually run for the governor’s office. However, the competitive 2026 race, which already includes Attorney General Dave Yost and potentially Ramaswamy, suggests that Tressel would face stiff competition if he chooses to pursue the state’s highest office in the future.
Tressel's approach to governance will be under close scrutiny if his nomination is confirmed. Known for his emphasis on discipline, integrity, and teamwork during his coaching days, many believe that Tressel’s political philosophy will reflect these same principles. His ability to unite people, foster collaboration, and think strategically will be essential as he navigates the complexities of state government.
As Ohio moves toward the 2026 elections, all eyes will be on Jim Tressel, not just as the state’s potential future lieutenant governor but as a key player in shaping the state’s political future. Whether he chooses to stay in the lieutenant governor role or eventually runs for governor, his influence in Ohio politics is sure to grow in the coming years. For now, his nomination has sparked excitement and curiosity, with many waiting to see how this new chapter in his career unfolds.
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