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AKRON, Ohio – Former Ohio State University head football coach Jim Tressel was introduced on Thursday morning by the University of Akron as the school’s new Vice President of Strategic Engagement.
Tressel, 59, begins his new postion on May 1 and will be paid a base salary of $200,000 pending approval by the university trustees.
“It’s a great day to be a Zip,” he said at a press conference. “It is great to be back to the place that gave me my first chance.”
Tressel’s first coaching job in college football was as a graduate assistant at UA under former head coach Gerry Faust. Tressel also earned his masters degree from the school in 1977.
“Jim has touched thousands of lives in positive ways.” UA President Dr. Luis Provenza said. “He has incredible energy and demonstrates leadership, passion, and compassion for students. We feel fortunate that he has decided to bring that dedication here to the University of Akron. Our students will be the beneficiaries.”
Tressel’s responsibilities with the title will be directed toward student success and the Akron Experience program, which will offer students learning opportunities outside the classroom, such as service projects or opportunities in their field of interest.
Tressel reportedly played a key role in the search of new football coach, working with University of Akron Athletic Director Tom Wistrcill. The process led to the hiring of Terry Bowden in late November. Since then, Tressel and has stayed in touch with many within the university community including Provenza and provost William ‘Mike’ Sherman who was with Tressel at OSU when he was vice provost for academic planning and professor of sport and exercise. Sherman spent
25 years in Columbus before coming to UA in 2010.
Tressel was one of the most successful coaches in Ohio State history, leading the Buckeyes to a national championship in a 2002 season capped by a win over Miami (FLA) in the Fiesta Bowl. He also led the Buckeyes to two BCS Championship Games (losing to Florida & LSU) and had an 8-1 lifetime record against arch-rival Michigan.
Tressel was forced to resign from OSU in May, 2011 amid an NCAA rules violations investigation. The problems eventually led to the school’s forfeiture of scholarships and a one-year bowl ban which takes effect this coming season.
Tressel was also placed on five years probation by the NCAA. Therefore, any
school desiring to hire Tressel as a coach must show ‘just cause’ for the hiring over the five years.
After serving his five-game suspension for his role in the allegations, Tressel joined the Indianapolis Colts as a game-day consultant. He was later interviewed for their head coaching position when Jim Caldwell was let go this past month.
“I have great memories of my time at UA and, more importantly, I feel a sense of family when I am on this campus.” Tressel said. “I am inspired by the vision of President Provenza. I admire what he, his leadership team, and faculty have accomplished over the last decade to build the reputation of the University and lay a strong foundation for student success. I am looking forward to being part of the spirit of innovation that drives the University of Akron.”
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