Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel resigned this morning amid the allegations of improper benefits that have rippled outwards like a stone in a pond after the players were found to have sold mementos or traded them for free tattoos late last year. That matter is still not closed and seems to be broadening in scope, beyond just a couple players committing an isolated violation outside of the knowledge of the coaching staff.
Some people thought that Tressel might be out after this season as that investigation progressed. Urban Meyer is an Ohio native with an outstanding resume and without a coaching job. He's also shown an inability in the past to stay retired. So the whispers started. Instead Tressel isn't even going to make it through the 5 game suspension.
He was a good coach. I can't deny. I have to admit too that he owned Michigan. 9-1 in his 10 seasons. He famously came in promising he was going to turn around Ohio State's previously dreadful record against Michigan (a big reason why the job opened up for him) and dominate them. He did just then. But I wonder how much he did turn a blind eye too as he built them into a regular national championship contender.
I also wonder how Pryor and the others who accepted the 5 game suspension as part of their promise to come back for this season in exchange for playing in the Sugar Bowl in January feel now. They came back for their coach. Now their coach is gone and they'll be out for the first 5 games. It is possible though that the 7-8 games they do still play this coming season are 7-8 more than they'd have played if they'd have gone to the NFL Draft, if the NFL owners and players' union don't get that lockout resolved.
As a result of this, when Michigan and Ohio State lock horns this season it will be with 2 first year coaches. I wonder when the last time that happened, if at all? Lots of legendary and longtime coaches on either side. Bo. Woody Hayes. Lloyd Carr. Tressel.
It will definitely be a whole new phase in THE rivalry in college football. Michigan can definitely use a clean slate.
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