Jim Tressel is a prominent figure in American football and higher education, renowned for his successful coaching career and subsequent roles in university administration. Born on December 5, 1952, in Mentor, Ohio, Tressel has made significant contributions both on and off the field.
Early Life and Education
Tressel was born in Mentor, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. His father, Lee Tressel, was the coach at Mentor’s high school. After a 34-game winning streak at Mentor, Lee was hired at Massillon (Ohio) Washington High, then moved on as head football coach for Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. Baldwin–Wallace won the 1978 NCAA Division III National Championship under Tressel’s father. Tressel attended many of his father’s games and practices, and developed a friendship with neighbor (and former Cleveland Browns player) Lou Groza. Tressel’s mother, Eloise Tressel, worked as the athletic historian at Baldwin–Wallace while his father was the head coach.
After graduating from Berea High School in 1971, Tressel played quarterback under his father at Baldwin–Wallace. As quarterback, he earned four varsity letters and won all-conference honors as a senior in 1974. Tressel also joined the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity while attending Baldwin–Wallace. In 1975, Tressel graduated from Baldwin–Wallace with a bachelor’s degree in education.
Family and Personal Life
Jim Tressel has always placed great importance on his family and personal values, which have played a significant role in shaping his career and leadership style.
Marriage and Spouse
Jim Tressel is married to Ellen Tressel, his lifelong partner who has been a strong supporter throughout his coaching and administrative career. Ellen comes from a well-known business family in Youngstown, Ohio. She has actively contributed to community service, philanthropy, and university initiatives, particularly during Jim’s tenure as the president of Youngstown State University (YSU). The couple is known for their deep involvement in charitable and educational activities, frequently donating to scholarships and community programs.
Children and Family Values
Jim and Ellen Tressel have a blended family, including four children from previous marriages. Although they keep their family life private, they have spoken about the importance of faith, discipline, and education in raising their children. Their strong belief in faith-based values has influenced many of Jim’s leadership decisions, particularly in his work with student-athletes and university students.
Parents and Early Influences
Jim was born to Lee Tressel and Eloise Tressel, both of whom played pivotal roles in his early life. His father, Lee Tressel, was a highly respected football coach at Baldwin–Wallace College and won the 1978 NCAA Division III National Championship. Growing up in a football-centric household, Jim developed a passion for coaching from an early age, frequently attending his father’s games and practices. His mother, Eloise Tressel, worked as an athletic historian at Baldwin-Wallace College and provided Jim with a strong sense of academic and professional discipline.
Faith and Community Involvement
Jim Tressel is a devout Christian and has often spoken about how faith has guided his personal and professional life. He has been actively involved in church-related events, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives, particularly in Ohio and Pennsylvania. His faith-driven leadership style was evident during his coaching career, where he emphasized moral integrity, discipline, and the personal growth of his players beyond the football field.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of his professional life, Jim enjoys reading, motivational speaking, and mentoring young professionals. He has authored books, including “The Winners Manual: For the Game of Life,” which shares insights on leadership, discipline, and personal growth. He is also known for his love of golf, which he plays occasionally for relaxation and networking.
Jim Tressel’s commitment to family, faith, and community has remained a core aspect of his identity, shaping not only his career but also the legacy he continues to build in education, sports, and leadership.
Coaching Career
Early Positions
Tressel began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Akron from 1975 to 1978. He then served as the quarterbacks and receivers coach at Miami University (Ohio) from 1979 to 1980, followed by a stint as the quarterbacks coach at Syracuse University from 1981 to 1982. In 1983, Tressel joined Ohio State University as a quarterbacks and wide receivers coach, a position he held until 1985.
Youngstown State University
In 1986, Tressel was appointed as the head coach of Youngstown State University (YSU). Over his 15-year tenure, he led the Penguins to four NCAA Division I-AA National Championships in 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997. His coaching record at YSU was an impressive 135–57–2. Tressel was named the Chevrolet National Coach of the Year in 1997, 1994, and 1993, and received the Eddie Robinson Coach-of-the-Year Award in 1994.
Ohio State University
In 2001, Tressel became the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes. During his tenure, he led the team to a national championship in 2002 and six Big Ten championships. His overall record at Ohio State was 94–22. However, his tenure was marred by a scandal involving players receiving improper benefits, leading to his resignation in 2011.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Patrick Tressel |
| Date of Birth | December 5, 1952 |
| Place of Birth | Mentor, Ohio, USA |
| Parents | Lee Tressel (father), Eloise Tressel (mother) |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Education from Baldwin–Wallace College; Master’s in Education from the University of Akron |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) |
| Spouse | Ellen Tressel |
| Children | Four |
| Coaching Record | 229–79–2 |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approximately $18 million |
Administrative Career
University of Akron
After his coaching career, Tressel transitioned into university administration. In 2012, he accepted the position of Vice President of Strategic Engagement at the University of Akron.
Return to Youngstown State University
In 2014, Tressel returned to Youngstown State University, this time as its president. During his tenure, he was credited with increasing graduation rates from 35% to 49%, quadrupling the size of the Honors College, and fostering closer ties with the business community. He retired from this position on February 1, 2023.
Latest News
As of February 10, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has nominated Jim Tressel as the state’s next lieutenant governor. The nomination is pending approval from the Ohio Senate and House.
Physical Appearance
Jim Tressel stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) tall. He has maintained a professional appearance throughout his career, often seen wearing his signature sweater vest during his coaching days.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Jim Tressel’s estimated net worth is approximately $18 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful careers in coaching and university administration.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Not available | |
| Not available | |
| Not available |
As of now, Jim Tressel does not maintain official public social media accounts.
Jim Tressel’s journey from a successful football coach to a respected university administrator and now a political figure underscores his versatile leadership and enduring commitment to the state of Ohio.
FAQs
1. What is Jim Tressel best known for?
Jim Tressel is best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he led the team to a National Championship in 2002 and multiple Big Ten titles. He is also recognized for his leadership as the President of Youngstown State University (YSU).
2. Why did Jim Tressel resign from Ohio State?
Jim Tressel resigned from Ohio State in 2011 following a scandal in which players received improper benefits. He failed to report violations to the NCAA, which led to sanctions against the football program.
3. What is Jim Tressel doing now?
As of 2025, Jim Tressel has retired from university administration but remains active in public speaking, mentorship, and leadership initiatives. He was also nominated for a political role as Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor.
4. What is Jim Tressel’s net worth?
Jim Tressel’s estimated net worth as of 2025 is approximately $18 million, earned through his coaching career, book sales, and administrative roles.
5. Is Jim Tressel still involved in football?
Although he is no longer coaching, Jim Tressel continues to mentor young athletes and coaches. He occasionally speaks at football-related events and stays connected to Ohio State and Youngstown State football programs.
Jim Tressel’s journey in football and education is similar to other influential figures who have made a lasting impact in their respective fields. For example, Nigel McCrery, a former police officer turned successful writer, transitioned from one career to another while leaving a significant mark in the world of television and literature. Similarly, Tressel shifted from coaching to university administration, demonstrating strong leadership in multiple domains.
Additionally, in the world of sports, Travis Kelce has emerged as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Just as Tressel left a lasting legacy in college football coaching, Kelce continues to dominate professional football with his exceptional skills and leadership, inspiring athletes worldwide.
