Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and a number of players met with the media following Tuesday’s practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Reporters from across Ohio as well as from Oklahoma attended the session to discuss OSU’s preparations for the Dec. 29 Alamo Bowl game against Oklahoma State.
But the topic veered off course for just a moment as Tressel was asked if he had any interest in becoming the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Butch Davis left the job two weeks ago and the team has dropped both of its games under interim head coach Terry Robiskie to fall to 3-10.
Tressel left little doubt that, although he is a lifelong Browns fan, he is content to stay at Ohio State.
When asked if he was acquainted with Browns owner Randy Lerner, Tressel said, “No. I’m sure he’s a wonderful guy.”
Reporters pressed the issue, but Tressel said he had no interest in moving to the professional ranks – even in his hometown.
“I was an education major and I feel that is what I have been called to do, to educate,” Tressel said. “I look at college and high school as more of an educational setting than the next level. There is nothing wrong with the next level and there are wonderful people. There is a role that everyone plays, but I think I am better suited for the educational role.”
Tressel was asked about the Browns job being a potential dream job for him. After all, he grew up in Berea and the Browns trained for years at Baldwin-Wallace, where his dad was the head coach.
“We’re playing Oklahoma State in the Alamo Bowl. I certainly didn’t expect all of this,” he said. “But I suppose it would be a dream job if you were interested in doing that. Ohio State was a dream job as a college football coach and it still is my dream job.
“I’m a Browns fan all the way. I root for the Browns constantly, but I coach the Buckeyes.”
Tressel said he was not aware of any contact made by the Browns with his superiors at OSU.
When the topic turned to the holidays, Tressel was asked about his plans.
“I’m not going to be going to Cleveland,” he joked.
As for what he will be doing, he said: “Studying Oklahoma State. When you’re busy recruiting, I have not studied Oklahoma State nearly as much as I would for a regular game. Once we get the players and coaches out of here and get a chance to take some film home, that’s relaxing.”
Tressel reflected on his first OSU bowl trip to the Outback Bowl after the 2001 season. The Buckeyes spent that year in Tampa for Christmas. This year, they will leave for San Antonio on Dec. 23.
“Four years ago, we had Christmas on the road,” he said. “It was a little bit different. A couple of the guys told me that when they were in Tampa they couldn’t find anywhere to eat. We gave them brunch and then they starved the rest of the day. We’re going to take care of that in San Antonio.”
Also Notable
* Tressel was asked for his general thoughts on Oklahoma State, which is coached by former Michigan assistant Les Miles.
“They’re physical, very sound, great special teams,” he said. “Those are all the things that Woody (Hayes) and Bo (Schembechler) and Mo, Gary Moeller, taught. You can see it in his team. They don’t make mistakes. They led the nation in turnover margin. That’s the way they were discipled and that all of the people who worked under Bo and Woody were trained.
“I’ve known him for many years. I wouldn’t say we were close. When he was at Michigan, I was at Youngstown State.”
* He then talked about the Oklahoma State defense.
“The thing I see with their defense is speed,” he said. “They have five DBs on the field at all times and they fly around. They get after it.”
* Tressel was asked whether defensive end Redgie Arden, who missed the year due to injury, would be back for his senior season in 2005.
“He’ll be ready in the spring,” Tressel said. “(Linebacker Mike) D’Andrea will be back for the spring and (linebacker Curt) Lukens will be back for the spring.”
* The coach was asked if he expected any academic casualties at the end of autumn quarter.
“We get our grades tomorrow, but I got a little hint that we’re in good shape,” he said.
* Kicker Josh Huston met with reporters and said his case for a sixth year of eligibility looks good.
* Columbus Brookhaven linebacker Alex Daniels, who made a visit to Minnesota this past weekend, was at practice today and met with Tressel in his office afterwards.