History of Jim Tressel in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 11, 2025

James Patrick Tressel is a prominent figure in American college football, having served as both a coach and university administrator. He was president of Youngstown State University from 2014 to 2023, following a successful coaching career. Tressel coached the Youngstown State Penguins and the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1986 to 2010, achieving multiple national championships and earning widespread recognition for his leadership. His career reflects a deep commitment to college athletics, impacting both the players he coached and the institutions he served.

2001: Tressel becomes Ohio State head coach

In 2001, Jim Tressel replaced John Cooper as Ohio State's head football coach following a loss in the Outback Bowl.

2001: Tressel's First Season at Ohio State

In his first year as head coach at Ohio State in 2001, Tressel led the Buckeyes to a 7-5 record, including a victory over Michigan and a loss to South Carolina in the Outback Bowl.

2002: Start of First 19-Game Winning Streak

One of Tressel's two 19-game winning streaks at Ohio State began in 2002.

2002: Undefeated Season and National Championship

The Buckeyes went 14-0 in 2002, winning the National Championship against Miami in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

2003: Post-Championship Season

In 2003, following their national championship win, the Buckeyes finished with an 11-2 record, losing to Michigan but winning the Fiesta Bowl against Kansas State.

2003: Donation to Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center

In 2003, the Tressels and Watsons donated $250,000 to the campaign for the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center at YSU.

2003: Fiesta Bowl Victory

Ohio State defeated Miami in the Fiesta Bowl in 2003, securing the national championship.

2003: Loss to Michigan

The Buckeyes lost to Michigan in their 100th meeting in 2003.

2003: End of First 19-Game Winning Streak

Tressel's first 19-game winning streak ended in 2003.

January 2, 2004: Fiesta Bowl Victory over Kansas State

Ohio State defeated Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 2004.

2004: Upset Victory over Michigan

In 2004, Ohio State, unranked at the time, upset 7th-ranked Michigan. They also finished the season with a win against Oklahoma State in the Alamo Bowl.

2005: Start of Second 19-Game Winning Streak

In 2005, Tressel's second 19-game winning streak at Ohio State began.

2005: Season with Losses to Texas and Penn State

The 2005 season saw the Buckeyes finish 10-2, with losses to Texas and Penn State, but a Fiesta Bowl victory against Notre Dame.

2005: Opening of Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center

The Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center at YSU opened in 2005.

2006: Undefeated Regular Season and Loss in National Championship

The 2006 Ohio State team went undefeated in the regular season, including a win over Michigan, but lost to Florida in the BCS National Championship Game.

2006: End of Second 19-Game Winning Streak

Tressel's second 19-game winning streak concluded in 2006.

July 9, 2007: Donation to Youngstown State University

On July 9, 2007, Jim and Ellen Tressel, along with Frank and Norma Watson, donated $1 million to Youngstown State University for the construction of an indoor athletics facility.

2007: Big Ten Championship and National Championship Berth

In 2007, the Buckeyes won the Big Ten Championship and earned a berth in the National Championship game against LSU.

2007: BCS National Championship Game Loss

Ohio State lost to Florida in the 2007 BCS National Championship game.

January 7, 2008: BCS National Championship Game Loss to LSU

On January 7, 2008, Ohio State lost to LSU in the BCS National Championship Game.

2008: Big Ten Title and Fiesta Bowl Loss

Ohio State won the Big Ten title in 2008 but lost to Texas in the Fiesta Bowl.

2009: Big Ten Title and Rose Bowl Victory

In 2009, the Buckeyes secured the Big Ten title and won the Rose Bowl against Oregon.

2010: Player Ineligibility Issues

In 2010, several Ohio State players were involved in NCAA violations which led to their ineligibility and Tressel's eventual suspension.

2010: Ohio State Vacates 2010 Wins

On 2010, Ohio State vacated all 12 wins from the 2010 season, including their Sugar Bowl victory, due to the participation of ineligible players.

2010: Vacated Season Due to NCAA Violations

The 2010 season's 12-1 record was vacated due to NCAA violations involving ineligible players.

March 8, 2011: Suspension and Fine for NCAA Violations

On March 8, 2011, Tressel was suspended and fined for failing to report NCAA violations involving players trading memorabilia for tattoos.

2011: Donations and Support to Ohio State

In 2011, Jim and Ellen Tressel contributed to Ohio State's library renovation and cancer research. They also donated a monument honoring OSU's military alumni.