Jim Tressel: Ex-Ohio State Coach Reportedly to Interview for Colts Job

Jim Tressel spent half of the season as a consultant for the Indianapolis Colts, but that might already be turning into something much more significant.

According to The Indianapolis Star, the Colts will reportedly interview Tressel, along with many other candidates, for the vacant head coaching job.

The New York Times' Pete Thamel sums up pretty well what most people are probably thinking about this move:

Well tweeted, Pete, but you forgot an adjective.

Risky. Risky as heck.

Yeah, I said it. 

How can Tressel really be the right guy to replace Jim Caldwell as the head man in Indy? Sure, no one would have to learn a new first name, but this Jim isn't going to be any better than the last one was.

Tressel—before this season—has never held a coaching position in the NFL, let alone the head one. Some guys thrive going from college to the pros, but that's only a select few.

And even fewer are able to go straight into the head coaching position with large amounts of success. More often, successful college coaches crash and burn at the next level and are forced to move back down to the collegiate ranks.

For whatever reason, even coaches who can go 94-22 at Ohio State like Tressel did can't get it done in the NFL. It just happens. 

He could very well translate his success to the pros, but the odds aren't in his favor.

When it comes down to it, hiring Tressel would be a huge risk. A risk that the Colts, who are trying to turn around a hugely disappointing season, can't really afford to take. 

According to that same report, some of the other options make a little more sense.

New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr., Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer all have more experience and would make more sense. 

Tressel, who saw his Ohio State career end in controversy and embarrassment, might put a few extra fans in the seats, but I have a feeling Andrew Luck might just take care of that by himself.

The former Buckeye won't add enough wins to this franchise, and that is all that's important.