COLUMBUS, OH – Former Youngstown State University president and Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel was officially sworn in as Ohio’s 67th lieutenant governor during a ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda on Friday morning. Ohio Supreme Court Justice Patrick DeWine administered the oath of office, marking Tressel’s transition into public service.
Governor Mike DeWine nominated Tressel earlier in the week to replace Jon Husted, who now serves in the U.S. Senate. The Ohio General Assembly swiftly confirmed the nomination on Wednesday.
“We have important unfinished business to address during the remainder of my administration,” said Governor DeWine. “Jim Tressel will make our team stronger, and he will make me a better governor. He has been a strong and inspiring leader in every job he’s held—whether as a coach, an administrator, or as president of Youngstown State University. Jim is a man of great integrity who knows and loves Ohio and has a real passion for helping young people.”
Tressel echoed the governor’s sentiments, expressing enthusiasm for his new role. “I’m totally humbled and excited to be here on Valentine’s Day, which also happens to be Woody Hayes’ birthday. It doesn’t get much better than that,” he said. “Governor DeWine has spent an entire lifetime making a difference in the Buckeye State. I want to be part of that. I want to learn from him, serve with him, and see where I can be helpful.”
A lifelong educator and coach, Tressel served as president of Youngstown State University from 2014 until his retirement in 2023. Under his leadership, the university saw significant advancements, including higher freshman class quality, increased retention and graduation rates, and record-breaking fundraising efforts. His tenure also saw the expansion of YSU’s Honors College from 300 to over 1,200 students.
Before his time in academia, Tressel was best known for his decorated career as a college football coach. After serving in assistant coaching roles at the University of Akron, Miami University, Syracuse, and Ohio State, he took over as Youngstown State’s head coach in 1986. In 2001, he was named head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, leading the team to seven Big Ten championships and a national title in 2002.
Tressel, a Cleveland-area native, graduated from Berea High School before earning his bachelor’s degree in education from Baldwin-Wallace College and a master’s degree in education from the University of Akron.
His wife, Ellen Tressel, is a YSU graduate, businesswoman, and philanthropist actively involved in charitable causes. Together, they have four adult children and a growing family of grandchildren.
As lieutenant governor, Tressel is expected to focus on education and workforce development, building on Ohio’s recent achievements in these areas. He will serve alongside Governor DeWine for the remainder of the administration’s term.
