Jim Tressel Shows His True Side, and It's All Buckeye

The Ohio State University inked Jim Tressel to a two-year extension today in Columbus. He’s going to make $3.5 million per year through the end of the 2014 season. It seems well deserved for a man who’s taken OSU to a 94-21 overall record during his tenure. His 8-1 record against arch-rival Michigan factors into that as well.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary for this extension until you realize he didn’t ask for a raise during the extension talks. “Jim never once came to me about compensation,” Ohio State AD Gene Smith stated. Wait, did he really say that?

“Jim has indicated to me he’s satisfied with his current salary, and is aware of the financial situation we all face at this time.” Smith continued. This loyalty to a program is extremely rare in college football today."

Ohio State fans rant and rave at Tressel’s conservative play calling, but ask them whom they want instead and you’ll hear crickets. The reality is that because of Tressel’s constant success, Ohio State fans have become spoiled.

Not to many coaches would tell their current schools their happy with their current salary and will agree to an extension for multiple years without a raise. Too many times are other coaches such as Urban Meyer and Bob Stoops brought up as replacements, when they should be content with the results at hand.

For those delusional Buckeye fans that can’t wait for the day Tressel rides into the sunset I have bad news; He’s not going anywhere for a long time. Part of this extension is a clause guaranteeing him an associate athletic director position for $150,000 a year indefinitely.

Tressel will be the next athletic director at Ohio State, and I couldn’t think of a better candidate to replace Gene Smith. Tressel was quoted during the extension release saying that it was an honor to work at Ohio State. His integrity is hard to match, but his love and respect for Ohio State cannot be matched.

Ohio State needs Jim Tressel much more than Jim Tressel needs Ohio State, and that’s something some of Buckeye faithful need to remember next time they scream at their TV’s. You may not agree with his methods, but you have to respect his results.