Jim Tressel Resigns: 3 Reasons Why Urban Meyer Should Replace Him at OSU

Amid an offseason overrun with criticism and speculation, Jim Tressel took matters into his own hands on Monday, resigning as head coach at Ohio State after 10 years at the helm.

"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 Monday morning. "The appreciation that Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is immeasurable." 

Tressel's resignation comes on the heels of his suspension for the first five games of next season and an ongoing NCAA investigation over improper player benefits involving starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four other players, all of whom are suspended for five games as well.

With assistant coach Luke Fickell set to step in as Ohio State interim coach, the question now is who will replace Tressel full-time. 

Naturally, former Florida head coach Urban Meyer is the primary candidate—whether he throws his hat in the ring or not.

Meyer retired from his post with the Gators in December, saying at the time the decision was not because of health concerns, but rather a desire to spend more time with his family.

Now six months later, one of the most high-profile coaching jobs in college sports is up for grabs, and it's Meyer's for the taking.

Why should he take the job?

Here are some of the best reasons.

No Veto from Mrs. Meyer

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Coach Urban Meyer of the Florida Gators hugs his wife, Shelley, after play against the Penn State Nittany Lions January 1, 2011 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty

When Meyer retired from Florida, he made it clear that health concerns were not at the root of his decision, but rather a desire to spend more time with his family.

Convincing his wife Ellen that he's ready to hop into a new coaching position seems like it would be a difficult sell.

But Ohio State isn't just any job.

In Meyer's 2008 autobiography, Urban's Way, Meyer said that Ohio State, Notre Dame and Michigan were the three schools Ellen would have no power to veto.

"If those ever call, then your majority now goes to a 49 percent veto," Meyer recalled telling her in a conversation.

A History with Ohio and the Buckeyes

Born in Ashtabula, Ohio, Meyer's roots in the state and with the Buckeyes are strong and undeniable.

After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Meyer got his first collegiate coaching job with Ohio State, serving as a graduate assistant for the Buckeyes in 1986 and 1987.

Since his retirement in December, there was constant speculation that he'd eventually return to Ohio down the line as Jim Tressel's successor.

The opportunity has simply become available sooner than expected.

Away from the SEC

More than anything, Ohio State is an escape from the grueling gauntlet that is the SEC.

Not to downplay the talent level and competition of the Big Ten, but there's no conference in football that offers a year in and year out challenge quite like that of the Southeastern Conference.

Even in his national championship seasons in 2006 and 2008, Meyer failed to lead Florida to an undefeated season.

In Ohio, Meyer's path to the BCS would be eased, and while there would be rebuilding to do, he could build his coaching legacy to unprecedented heights without the Alabamas of the world knocking on his door.