Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel resigns

Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel resigned this morning after 10 years at the Big Ten Conference's flagship football operation amid multiple NCAA violations awaiting the program.

Tressel, 58, compiled a 106-22 record in his duration as coach. He has led the Buckeyes to at least a share of six straight Big Ten championships - seven overall - and eight BCS bowl berths in 10 seasons. He guided the Buckeyes to the 2002 national title and BCS title game appearances in 2006 and 2007.

Ohio State was 106-22 overall under Tressel, including 12-1 last year. Ohio State is scheduled to appear before the NCAA infractions committee on Aug. 12 to answer charges that football players sold or exchanged paraphernalia for extra benefits. Tressel is accused of lying to NCAA representatives during that investigation.

Tressel attended this month's Big Ten meetings in Chicago but spoke to reporters for less than one minute. Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany declined to talk to reporters about Tressel's situation. When asked if Tressel's situation affects the Big Ten's image, Delany said, "I can't answer that. There's a lot of interest, and I don't think it's positive."

Tressel was 9-1 against Ohio State's archrival, Michigan, and 6-1 against Iowa. He beat both in winner-take-all epic games to claim outright Big Ten titles. In 2006, top-ranked Ohio State beat No. 2 Michigan 42-39 in the season finale. In 2009, the Buckeyes edged Iowa 27-24 in overtime. He held a winning record against every Big Ten institution except Wisconsin (4-4).

Here is the official news release from Ohio State:

The Ohio State University announced today that it has accepted the resignation of Jim Tressel as head coach of its football program. Luke Fickell will serve as interim head coach for the 2011-2012 football season. Recruitment for a new head coach - which is expected to include external and internal candidates - will not commence until the conclusion of the 2011-2012 season.

"In consultation with the senior leadership of the Board of Trustees, I have been actively reviewing matters attendant to our football program, and I have accepted Coach Tressel's resignation," said President E. Gordon Gee. "The University's enduring public purposes and its tradition of excellence continue to guide our actions."

Jim Tressel said, "After meeting with University officials, we agreed that it is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach. The appreciation that Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is immeasurable."

Athletics Director Gene Smith said, "We look forward to refocusing the football program on doing what we do best - representing this extraordinary University and its values on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We look forward to supporting Luke Fickell in his role as our football coach. We have full confidence in his ability to lead our football program."