Jim Tressel, Akron
Jim Tressel Returns to the NCAA
Jim Tressel is returning to the school where he started coaching.
If you’re like me, watching the press conference of Jim Tressel in a yellow tie was probably just as weird as the first time I saw Urban Meyer in Buckeye colors.
The man who established the sweater vest as an iconic relic in OSU history resigned in May of last year amidst the cash-for-tattoos scandal, and was hired by Akron on Thursday as vice president of strategic engagement – a position created for him.
Tressel who begins on May first leaves the Indianapolis Colts, where he served as a consultant this past season, will earn a base salary of $200,000 per year. That’s more than $3 million LESS than what he made during the last of 10 years of coaching the silver bullets.
“I feel fortunate that I got this opportunity,” Tressel said after at a packed news conference unlike any other in the school’s history. “It’s going to be a fun one.”
Tress, who said he has no interest in coaching in the NFL, will work with Akron’s students, alumni and community organizations on a variety of issues.
Remaining compliant with one of the conditions of the five-year sanction he was given by the NCAA, Tressel will not have any direct involvement with Akron’s athletic department.