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Former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel stepping down as Youngstown State president

Tressel will serve as president of the university until Feb. 1, 2023.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Jim Tressel, a former Ohio State Buckeyes football coach, announced Wednesday he will step down as president of Youngstown State University.

The university wrote in an email that he will leave his position on Feb. 1, 2023.

Tressel, 69, said he plans "to work seven days a week for the next seven months” until he leaves.

In the email to the university, Tressel called working at Youngstown State a "blessing and a labor of love."

“These are extremely challenging times in higher education and in our world as a whole; however, the opportunities are many, and together we will continue to make great things happen," he added.

The university highlighted its increased graduation rates, the number of graduates and fundraising dollars during Tressel's tenure.

Tressel first served at Youngstown when he started as the head football coach from 1986 until 2000.  He was named the head football coach at Ohio State in 2001.

In 2010, the Ohio State football team's season was vacated after a memorabilia-for-cash scandal.

The scandal led to Tressel's resignation as coach.

The Buckeyes also won several Big Ten titles under Tressel and played their way to the 2002 National Championship game.

"I cannot thank my family enough for allowing my schedule, and the needs of our university, to take priority and center stage,” Tressel wrote.

 “It is now only fair to have Ellen, our wonderful children and grandchildren, extended family, friends and former students, set the schedule.”

Youngstown University Board Chair said information on who will next serve as the university's president will be released when it is available.

Statement from Gov. Mike DeWine: 

"Jim Tressel is often referred to as a champion, and he has embodied that term in his leadership as President of Youngstown State University. Not only has he championed the cause of YSU, but he has been a champion for the Mahoning Valley, a champion for investing in Ohio’s workforce and furthering economic development through university partnerships, and a champion for higher education across Ohio. Youngstown State has always been an important asset to the Mahoning Valley, and President Tressel’s work during his tenure has only solidified its importance. President Tressel will be deeply missed at YSU. Fran and I extend our best wishes to Jim and Ellen and their family, as well as thanks for a job well done."

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