Tressel: No 'Itch' to Return to Coaching
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- With two universities courting him to serve as their next president, former Youngstown State University and Ohio State Buckeyes head football coach Jim Tressel has all but put his days on the gridiron behind him.
Tressel, a finalist for the president's position at the University of Akron and YSU, told reporters Monday that regardless of whether he's selected for either post, his role in higher education is unlikely to include coaching.
"That's why it's fun to evaluate the situation at Akron and the situation at Youngstown State to see if they think I can contribute and add value," Tressel said during a press conference as part of his day-long visit to the YSU campus. "If they don't, there'll be many other things educationally to do, and I don't think it will be coaching, regardless of how all of this ends up."
Tressel served in various coaching positions for 38 years, 15 of them as the head coach of the YSU Penguins and 10 for the Ohio State Buckeyes. During his career, he led YSU to four Division I-AA national championships and Ohio State to one Division I-A national championship.
"I don't really have that itch to do so, interest to do so," Tressel said when asked if he would consider returning to coaching "I happen to think that higher education on a grand scope is really important."
Tressel, now the vice president for student success at Akron, told reporters that he's prepared to make a long-term commitment to YSU should he be selected as its next president. "I came here in 1986 with the thought that I'd be here forever and spent 15 years, which is pretty lengthy in the coaching world. So, I'm the type of person that when they take a job, they think they're going to be there forever."
He did not indicate which job he would take, should both positions be offered to him.
Should Tressel be offered and accept the position at YSU, he would be wrestling with an institution that is struggling financially because of reduced state subsidies and declining enrollment.
"I don’t think you would shy from that reality," he told reporters. "You'd have to get everyone together, and make sure everyone has got a voice in the discussion," when it came to addressing the issue.
What is important is that YSU make wise use of the funds it does have in a way that benefits students, faculty and the community. "The better you get, it's amazing how much more funds become available," he said. "There's nothing like a good challenge."
The state funding model today depends on a university's retention rate, which Tressel said is key to attracting more support. However, he noted another important aspect is "your ability to raise funds outside of the institution" in the form of donations from benefactors who have in the past supported the cause of the university.
"Thirdly, our ability to attract research grants could be of great help," Tressel said.
Tressel, who if selected for the YSU post would start in the summer, said that it would be important to include as many stakeholders as possible into the decision-making process. "Once your faculty gets back to campus [for the fall semester], the time begins with serving your students and getting interaction with your faculty, make decisions and go from there."
Editor's Note: Following his news conference, Tressel took questions at a public forum. Check this webside tomorrow for comprehensive coverage.
MORE:
Tressel Wins Enthusiastic Welcome Back to YSU
Tressel Makes His Case for President of University of Akron
Copyright 2014 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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