One of the more compelling rumors to come out of the Jim Caldwell hiring in Detroit (especially for Wolverine fans) is the thought of the new head coach bringing former Ohio State head guy Jim Tressel aboard.
In fact, if you believe ESPN Cleveland Browns blogger Pat McManamon, Tressel is on his way to Detroit with the approval of the league office.
One person close to Tressel even said a deal to bring him to Detroit has been agreed to, pending approval of the front office. That has not been confirmed by the Lions or Tressel, though. Caldwell will be introduced to the Lions media Wednesday afternoon.
The two are believed to be pretty close too. Tressel worked with the Indianapolis Colts for a year while Caldwell was the head coach there and spoke highly of him during an appearance on a Columbus radio station last week. The Sweater Vest has also expressed a desire to get back into coaching which probably would be in the NFL given the show-cause penalty he’ll be subjected to if he were ever to return to the college ranks.
Currently Tressel is working at the University of Akron in some capacity but he’s unsure what his role there would be when University president Luis Proenza retires this spring.
However, there’s conflicting reports on Tressel’s NFL future, specifically that in Detroit.
Rob Oller of the Columbus Dispatch tweeted out that there has been ‘no meaningful contact’ between the Lions and Tressel but something that that could ‘change in a heartbeat’.
The Tressel-to-Detroit speculation is just that. No meaningful contact between parties.
— Rob Oller (@rollerCD) January 16, 2014
Tressel status could change in heartbeat, but so far nothing happening. Caldwell meeting with Lions staff today. Some still under contract.
— Rob Oller (@rollerCD) January 16, 2014
IF the Lions were to hire Tressel it’s unclear what his role would be. Early speculation says it could be on the offensive staff (perhaps coordinator) but that’s still yet to be seen. Lions team president and Michigan grad Tom Lewand recently told the Detroit Free Press that he would “tattoo a Buckeye on my forehead” if bringing Tressel aboard would help them win.
