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.
