Jim Tressel, the former Ohio State University football coach who became Ohio’s lieutenant governor earlier this year, announced Friday he will not run for governor.

Tressel’s potential political plans had been subject to speculation after Gov. Mike DeWine chose him as his new lieutenant governor earlier this year. Tressel, a Republican, has never run for office and had never stated he had ambitions to do so.

Tressel referenced his wife Ellen in a statement Friday on X, writing that he has been honored to serve with DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine.

“After considerable thought and prayer, we have decided not to run for governor in 2026,” Tressel wrote. “I believe that our crucial opportunities in the area of education and workforce deserve my full attention for the remainder of our term

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