Long-time Ohio State University head football coach Jim Tressel has resigned.
The Columbus Dispatch was the first to report the story.
“After meeting with university officials, we agreed that it is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach,” Tressel said in a statement released by the university. “The appreciation that (wife) Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is immeasurable.”
Tressel had been suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season for withholding information from the university and the NCAA while his team was under investigation. Back in December six OSU players were suspended by the NCAA for selling or trading uniforms and other memorabilia to a Columbus tattoo-parlor owner.
The 58-year old coach has been accused of knowingly providing false information to the NCAA and playing ineligible players. Tressel’s players were accused of selling memorabilia and game paraphernalia for cash and tattoos. Additionally the OSU football program was under investigation for the potential selling of cars to players and relatives at discounted prices.
In 10 seasons at Ohio State Tressel Tressel led the Buckeyes to eight BCS bowl games, five BCS bowl wins, seven Big 10 titles, a 9-1 record against Michigan, and the 2002 National Title. Tressel’s contract was renewed last spring through 2014. He earned about $3.7 million annually in salary and other incentives.
According to the Dispatch, current assistant coach Luke Fickell will be named the interim head coach for the entire 2011 season. Fickell had been named the team’s interim head coach for the first five games of the season while Tressel served his suspension.
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