Former Ohio State University head football coach Jim Tressel will not be running for the Senate in the Buckeye State after he quashed the rumors Thursday evening.
Tressel, who won a national championship at Ohio State before resigning in the wake of NCAA infractions, was reportedly being courted by state Republicans before he tweeted that he would stay president of Youngstown University. Tressel also won four Division I-AA national championships with Youngstown State when he was head football coach before joining Ohio State.
"Appreciate so much the kind words regarding the US Senate campaign Such an important role. Admire what our Senators do," Tressel said. "Ellen and I are committed to continuing our work at YSU. Much accomplished. Much to do! #YandProud #AmericanandProud."
https://twitter.com/JimTressel5/status/951547675937210368
Republicans are looking for a candidate to run against Democratic incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown, and they took interest in Tressel due to his reputation and high name recognition in Ohio.
"Jim Tressel is welcome pretty much wherever he goes in Ohio," Rep. Dave Joyce (R., Ohio) told the Washington Examiner.
J.D. Vance, the author of the best-selling Hillbilly Elegy, is also reportedly being courted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) to run for the seat. State treasurer Josh Mandel, who was considered the frontrunner for the nomination, dropped out of the race last week.