Tressel steps down at Ohio State
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COLUMBUS, Ohio - Monday morning was not much of a holiday for national football media as news came out that Jim TresselClick More: Who will replace Jim Tressel in 2012? Here to view this Link. resigned as head coach of The Ohio State University. Luke FickellClick More: Who will replace Jim Tressel in 2012? Here to view this Link. will serve as the head coach for 2011-12 and a new head permanent head coach will be in place for the 2012 season.
"In consultation with the senior leadership of the Board of Trustees, I have been actively reviewing matters attendant to our football program, and I have accepted Coach Tressel's resignation," said Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee. "The University's enduring public purposes and its tradition of excellence continue to guide our actions."
The Buckeyes are in the middle of a NCAA investigation that stemmed from the illegal trade of merchandise for discounted tattoos that resulted in several suspensions including a five game one for Tressel himself. The depth of the investigation has deepened with car sales getting a watchful eye from the NCAA as well.
Monday morning proved to be the end of the era when Tressel decided to call it a career with the Buckeyes.
"After meeting with University officials, we agreed that it is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach," Tressel said. "The appreciation that Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is immeasurable."
The Buckeyes are less than 100 days away from the start of the 2011 season and even though Tressel is no longer with the program as the head coach focus now has to turn to Fickell and the team moving forward who still have a date with the NCAA investigators.
"We look forward to refocusing the football program on doing what we do best - representing this extraordinary University and its values on the field, in the classroom, and in life," Ohio State AD Gene Smith said. "We look forward to supporting Luke Fickell in his role as our football coach. We have full confidence in his ability to lead our football program."
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