Jim Tressel is widely recognized as one of the most successful figures in college football, and jim tressel net worth is estimated to be approximately $18 million. Born on December 5, 1962, in Mentor, Ohio, Jim grew up influenced by his father, Lee Tressel, a respected football coach at Baldwin-Wallace College.
Under Lee’s leadership, Baldwin-Wallace achieved remarkable milestones, including winning the NCAA Division III National Championship in 1978. Jim’s early life—shaped by his father’s dedication, discipline, and coaching success—helped pave the way for his own storied and impactful career in football.
After serving as a quarterback at Baldwin-Wallace under his father’s guidance, Jim began his coaching career and quickly rose to prominence. In 2001, he became the head coach at Ohio State University, replacing John Cooper. His leadership helped Ohio State reach the pinnacle of college football, winning a national title in 2002 and making appearances in three BCS National Championship Games.
Along with the national championship, Jim also secured six Big Ten Conference Championships, further cementing his legacy as one of college football’s finest. His success earned him the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award in 2002 and Ohio College Football Coach of the Year honors in 2010.
Jim’s career at Youngstown State University, which lasted for 15 years, was just as impressive. During his tenure, he led the team to four NCAA Division I-AA Football Championships, establishing a strong reputation as a football leader. Jim’s dedication to the sport and his leadership abilities didn’t go unnoticed, and he was appointed as the President of Youngstown State University, an achievement that added to his already impressive career.
Though he was suspended from his consulting role with the Indianapolis Colts due to his involvement in NCAA violations, Jim’s impact on college football remains undeniable. Throughout his career, Jim’s family played a significant role in his success. His mother, Eloise Tressel, was a notable figure in Baldwin-Wallace, serving as the athletic historian.
Jim’s 15-year career at Youngstown, his leadership at Ohio State, and his contributions to the sport have made him a well-respected figure in the world of college athletics, ultimately leading to his $18 million net worth.
Jim Tressel: Key Facts
Here’s a quick look at the key facts about Jim Tressel, highlighting his incredible career and net worth.
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | James Patrick Tressel |
| Birthdate | December 5, 1952 (72 years old) |
| Birthplace | Mentor, Ohio, United States of America |
| Profession | American football player, football coach, university administrator, consultant |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Education from Baldwin-Wallace College, Master’s in Education from the University of Akron |
| Coaching Career | Football career spanning 1975–2023 |
| Spouse | Ellen Tressel |
| Children | Three stepchildren |
| Net Worth | $18 million |
| Annual Salary | $3.5 million |
Jim Tressel Net Worth Explained
Tressel’s net worth is widely estimated at $16 million, built over decades through his coaching career, high-level administrative positions, and multiple consulting roles. His income sources range from substantial coaching salaries to university leadership earnings, all contributing to his impressive accumulated wealth and long-term financial status.
While his personal assets, including houses and cars, are kept strictly private, his overall lifestyle reflects the stability and success that come from years of consistent earnings and strategic consulting work, making his wealth a direct result of dedication and experience.
Family & Relationships
Jim Tressel’s personal life reflects the same steady leadership he’s shown throughout his career. He and his wife, Ellen Tressel, share a strong marriage and a close-knit family that includes three stepchildren. The Tressel family is well known for their philanthropic efforts, especially in education and community development, where the couple has consistently shown a deep commitment to giving back.
Their dedication to philanthropic work and long-standing relationship has made them a respected presence in the community, adding a meaningful personal dimension to Tressel’s public legacy.
Key Successes
James Patrick Tressel is known for his remarkable coaching career, leading teams like Ohio State and Youngstown State to unprecedented success. With five National Championships, including one at Ohio State and four at Youngstown State, his legacy in American college football is undeniable.
His leadership was instrumental in shaping the success of his teams, and in 2015, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Tressel’s influence stretches far beyond football, leaving a lasting mark in both the sport and higher education.
Here’s a closer look at his key successes:
| Success | Details |
| National Championships | Five (one with Ohio State, four with Youngstown State) |
| Induction into the Hall of Fame | College Football Hall of Fame (2015) |
| Leadership | Tressel’s leadership in college football |
| Coaching Legacy | Tressel’s achievements in football coaching |
| Impact | Tressel’s influence in American college football |
Jim Tressel: Origins and Family
Jim Tressel grew up in a family that was deeply rooted in football. His father, Lee Tressel, was a well-respected high school coach who later made a name for himself as a college football coach at Baldwin-Wallace College, where he led the He guided the team to win the NCAA Division III title in 1978. Surrounded by this rich football legacy, Jim developed his own passion for football from an early age.
He played quarterback at Berea High School and eventually went on to Baldwin-Wallace College, following in his father’s footsteps and earning a degree in education. Growing up with a father-son connection like theirs, Jim’s career was shaped by the environment of mentorship and guidance provided by his father.
It’s no surprise that football became a core part of Jim Tressel’s life, influencing not only his coaching career but also his approach to college football and sports. His family’s coaching roots helped Jim grow into a football figure with a deep understanding of the game and a passion that fueled his future success.
Jim Tressel’s Career Milestones
Jim Tressel began his coaching career with assistant positions at various prestigious institutions such as Syracuse University, the University of Akron, and Miami University. His early years were filled with coaching appointments that helped shape his future success. In 1986, he became the head coach at Youngstown State University, where he led the team to an incredible four NCAA Division I-AA National Championships over 15 seasons.
These achievements were pivotal in earning him the role of head coach at Ohio State University in 2001, a milestone that would further cement his place in football coaching history. Tressel’s career milestones are defined by his remarkable success at both Youngstown State and Ohio State, where his coaching legacy continues to inspire.
From his coaching achievements to his lasting impact on college football, Tressel’s career is a testament to his dedication and vision in the world of football coaching. His leadership, which was a driving force behind his football success, played a crucial role in his rise to prominence and significant coaching positions throughout his career.
Tressel’s Greatest Career Moments
Jim Tressel’s football career is filled with remarkable achievements that have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in college football. Some of his greatest career moments include leading Ohio State to a national championship in 2002 and securing six Big Ten Conference titles.
He also maintained an impressive 8-1 record against Michigan, a testament to his dominance in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. His Coach of the Year awards and his 2015 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame reflect his substantial contributions to the sport.
Here are some key highlights:
- National championship in 2002
- Six Big Ten Conference titles
- 8-1 record against Michigan
- Coach of the Year awards
- 2015 College Football Hall of Fame induction
- Recognized for his football coaching legacy and significant achievements.
Jim Tressel: Latest Updates & Impact
After resigning from Ohio State in 2011, Jim Tressel transitioned into university administration. He served as Vice President of Strategic Engagement at the University of Akron from 2012 to 2014, where his leadership and strategic direction led to notable growth in the institution.
In 2014, Tressel was appointed President of Youngstown State University, a role in which he continued to make a significant impact until his retirement in February 2023. Under Tressel’s leadership, the university experienced substantial growth and transformation.
Throughout his tenure, Tressel’s influence extended beyond football, as he made strides in university growth and development. His strategic role at both Youngstown State and the University of Akron showcased his ability to navigate complex challenges, ensuring the institutions thrived under his guidance.
As he moved into retirement, his impact on both universities was undeniable, leaving behind a legacy of successful leadership and career transition.
Jim Tressel’s Earnings Uncovered
Jim Tressel, former head coach at Ohio State University, earned an impressive $3.5 million per year in coaching salary. His salary history reflects his long, successful coaching career leading one of the top football teams in the country.
Tressel’s annual earnings were bolstered by his football coach salary and the compensation outlined in his contract. Over the years, his earnings grew significantly, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NCAA.
Here’s a quick look at his salary figures:
- $3.5 million coaching salary
- Jim Tressel’s income from his time at Ohio State
- Yearly salary based on his coaching success
- High Tressel’s pay is driven by his remarkable sports career
These figures show how Tressel’s coaching success translated into substantial earnings, cementing his financial legacy in the world of football.
Comparing Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer’s Wealth
When it comes to football coaches, Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer are two of the most well-known figures in NCAA history, both leaving a significant mark on Ohio State. But, who’s richer? Jim Tressel’s net worth and Urban Meyer’s net worth have long been subjects of comparison, with both coaches enjoying remarkable coaching careers.
Their coaching legacy includes multiple national championships, successful football teams, and impressive career achievements. Both coaches have built their fortunes over time, with coaching salaries and coaching earnings adding up throughout their years of leading top-tier programs.
Tressel’s coaching figures speak for themselves, while Meyer has also earned a reputation for his football salary and overall impact on college football. Whether you’re comparing their wealth, sports careers, or coaching careers, the comparison between these two icons is always intriguing. As we explore their net worth, the question remains: who truly holds the title of the wealthier coach?
Jim Tressel: Latest Updates & Impact
After resigning from Ohio State in 2011, Jim Tressel transitioned into university administration. He served as Vice President of Strategic Engagement at the University of Akron from 2012 to 2014, where his leadership and strategic direction led to notable growth in the institution.
In 2014, Tressel was appointed President of Youngstown State University, a role in which he continued to make a significant impact until his retirement in February 2023. Under Tressel’s leadership, the university experienced substantial growth and transformation.
Throughout his tenure, Tressel’s influence extended beyond football, as he made strides in university growth and development. His strategic role at both Youngstown State and the University of Akron showcased his ability to navigate complex challenges, ensuring the institutions thrived under his guidance.
As he moved into retirement, his impact on both universities was undeniable, leaving behind a legacy of successful leadership and career transition.
Surprising Facts
Here are some surprising facts about Tressel that many fans don’t know, each revealing a unique part of his personality and career beyond his financial success:
- He is affectionately known as “The Vest”, a nod to the signature sweater vests he wore during games, a look that became Tressel’s nickname across the country.
- Tressel is the only coach to win national titles at both Division I-AA (FCS) and Division I-A (FBS) championship levels, a rare achievement in the sport.
- He authored the book “The Winners Manual: For the Game of Life”, sharing powerful insights on leadership and success.
- His national titles across different divisions highlight just how adaptable and skilled he was as a coach.
- Fans still associate him with his iconic style, proving how deeply his personal brand became tied to his coaching identity.
Jim Tressel’s Charity & Influence
Tressel has built a powerful legacy not only through his coaching achievements but also through his deep involvement in charitable activities and community service. Known for his strong leadership, he has made meaningful contributions to education, higher education, and community development, consistently creating a positive impact on student-athletes and the institutions he served.
Even with past controversies in his career, he remains widely respected for his commitment to service, his influence on the community, and his ongoing contributions to education and overall development.
Jim Tressel Official Social Media Profiles
| Platform | Profile Link |
| Jim Tressel on Instagram | |
| Jim Tressel on Facebook | |
| Jim Tressel on LinkedIn |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where does Jim Tressel live now?
Jim Tressel lives in the Youngstown, Ohio area, where he continues his public service as Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor.
2. How many times has Jim Tressel been married?
He has been married twice—first to Carol Kujanek and currently to Ellen Watson Tressel since 1999.
3. How much did Jim Tressel make?
During his Ohio State coaching career, he earned over $645,000 per year and made a total of about $21.7 million, including bonuses and endorsements.
4. What is Jim Tressel doing today?
He is serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, focusing on education and workforce development.
5. Where does Jim Tressel live?
Jim Tressel lives in Youngstown, Ohio, staying close to the community he has served for years.
6. How old is Jim Tressel?
Jim Tressel is 72 years old, born on December 5, 1952.
7. What is Jim Tressel’s height?
His height is not publicly documented.
8. What political party is Jim Tressel?
He is a member of the Republican Party.
9. Is Jim Tressel the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio?
Yes, he has served as Ohio’s 67th Lieutenant Governor since 2025.
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