Ryan Day reacts to Jim Tressel becoming Ohio lieutenant governor: 'It put a huge smile on my face'

After leaving Ohio State in 2010, Jim Tressel ventured into the world of college administration as the president of Youngstown State from 2014-23. Now, he’s heading into politics as Ohio’s next lieutenant governor – and Ryan Day expressed his excitement.

Even as Tressel embarked on life post-football, he stayed close to the Ohio State program. He and Day built a strong relationship, and Day joined Tressel as members of the Buckeyes coaching fraternity to win a national championship this past season.

As Tressel gets ready to replace Jon Husted as Ohio’s lieutenant governor, Day said it’s a natural fit. He used to joke the legendary coach would be better suited for the White House, though.

“I love that,” Day told WBNS-TV. “Just excited for him. It put a huge smile on my face. I always felt like he should be President of the United States.

“I’m just excited for him and I think most people in Ohio will be excited to see him in that role. Very different, I guess, than what he’s done in the past. But I think we all agree he’d be great for it and I think he’ll do great for the state of Ohio.”

More on Jim Tressel’s nomination, confirmation

Tressel has never held public office, but will now replace Husted after he headed to the U.S. Senate. Of course, he became a household name for Ohioans during his decorated coaching career in Columbus, which included a 106-23 record and a 2002 national championship.

Now, he’s Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s No. 2 man and a heartbeat away from the governor’s seat. Tressel was confirmed by the Ohio legislature Wednesday. Soon, he’ll settle into his new role.

“Jim has spent a great deal of time working with and leading young people, and he will be involved directly with education and workforce development during the remaining two years of my administration,” DeWine said in a statement. “Jim Tressel knows Ohio, he shares Ohio’s values, and is a born leader.”

DeWine has two years remaining in his term as governor. Although he hasn’t spoken with Tressel about reelection, he said the focus is on the task at hand.

“I’m into this last two years,” DeWine said to the Ohio statehouse bureau, via the Columbus Dispatch. “I want to go finish up strong. I want to run through the tape. Bringing him in as lieutenant governor gives me somebody who has a lot of ideas and has got a lot of energy.”