Jim Tressel, the former Ohio State University football coach, was sworn in as Ohio’s 67th lieutenant governor on February 14, 2025. Governor Mike DeWine nominated Tressel to replace Jon Husted, who vacated the position to serve in the U.S. Senate. The Ohio General Assembly confirmed Tressel’s nomination, and he took the oath of office in a ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda, administered by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine, with Governor DeWine in attendance.
Tressel, 72, is renowned for leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship in 2002. After resigning from coaching in 2011, he served as president of Youngstown State University from 2014 until his retirement in 2023. In his new role as lieutenant governor, Tressel aims to focus on education and workforce development, building upon his extensive experience in academia and athletics.
During the swearing-in ceremony, several former Ohio State players, including Maurice Clarett and Roy Hall, were present to support Tressel. Clarett praised Tressel’s leadership, stating, “I think Coach Tressel has 50 or 60 years of leading people. His track record speaks for itself—always doing the right thing when others aren’t looking.”
Governor DeWine expressed confidence in Tressel’s abilities, highlighting his leadership skills and deep understanding of Ohio’s needs. Tressel’s appointment is expected to strengthen the state’s initiatives in education and workforce alignment, areas he has been passionate about throughout his career.
Leave a Reply