Head Coach Jim Tressel
Former Ohio State coaches Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, both revered in Buckeye history, once faced off in the 2006-2007 National Championship game. Recently, an intriguing anecdote emerged from that clash that sheds light on their dynamic.
Jim Tressel Takes Shot At Urban Meyer‼️‼️⁉️ pic.twitter.com/3QVScsDHYX
— Menace 2 Sports (@Menace2Sports) May 21, 2024
In a podcast hosted by ex-Ohio State wide receiver coach Zach Smith, who served under Meyer, former Director of Football Performance Eric Lichter, appointed by Tressel in 2006, shared a little-known tale. Before the game, during a staff introduction event, Tressel took an unexpected jab at Meyer for forgetting to introduce his wife, Shelley, a practice Tressel considered pivotal.
Tressel, addressing Meyer directly, recounted a lesson from his mentor: always introduce the most significant person in the program—the CEO, your wife. Meyer, apparently, omitted this introduction, prompting Tressel’s public correction.
This exchange unfolded in front of the entire banquet hall, embarrassing Meyer. Despite the incident, Meyer’s Florida Gators triumphed over Ohio State in the title game. Ironically, years later, Meyer would succeed Tressel as Ohio State’s head coach following Tressel’s resignation over a scandal involving player tattoos.
