Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has nominated a man with several ties to the Mahoning Valley to fill the remainder of Jon Husted's term as Ohio's Lieutenant Governor.

Governor DeWine has selected former Youngstown State University President and football coach Jim Tressel to serve as Lieutenant Governor following Jon Husted's appointment to J.D. Vance's seat in the U.S. Senate.

DeWine will be sending Tressel's name to the Ohio House and Senate to be appointed as Lieutenant Governor.

"I certainly hope that he will be confirmed," DeWine said.

During a Monday morning news conference announcing the nomination DeWine said he was looking for someone with Ohio ties and values to serve as Husted's replacement. DeWine said there were many great candidates, but ultimately decided on Tressel.

"[Tressel] knows how to pull education in together and to reach out to the business community. He understands that part of the education job is to educate young people. It's also to try to grow the state in the sense of economic development. He's been involved in economic development in the Mahoning Valley as well," DeWine said.

Tressel retired as YSU's President, announcing his decision to step down back in 2022 with his retirement beginning in February of 2023. He began serving in 2013.

Tressel said when DeWine brought the opportunity to his attention, he reached out to his wife Ellen and told her of the opportunity, to which she replied "Sounds like God has more work for you to do."

"I'll have a lot of learning [to do]. I don't know this world particularly. Fortunately, I believe in our governor and what he believes in, and my first job is to go to school on that and then see if I can evolve and try to make a difference in the state that has been so special to us," Tressel said.

Some local leaders have issued statements reacting to Tressel's selection such as Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber (YWRC) President and CEO Guy Coviello.

"His background in education and workforce development, as well as his championship pedigree, will suit him well in Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration and its plans to propel the state forward over the next two years,” Coviello said.

YWRC Executive Vice President of Governmental Affairs Lyle Huffman also weighed in.

“Jim Tressel is certainly no stranger to the most pressing and important issues facing the business community in the Mahoning Valley, from population to housing to education and career training in high-tech, in-demand industries," Huffman said.

Tressel was the coach for YSU's football team from 1986 through 2000. During his time as coach, the Penguins have won four national championships.

In 2001, he left YSU to coach at Ohio State with the Buckeyes claiming seven Big 10 Championship titles, as well as a national title in 2002 during his time as coach.

He also served as Executive Vice President for Student Success at the University of Akron prior to serving as YSU's president. 

Following his time as YSU's president, Tressel was appointed to Baldwin Wallace University's Board of Trustees in June of 2024.