Former Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel ruled out a run for the U.S. Senate Thursday.
Ohio Republicans were interested him running against Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, this year.
Tressel said he appreciated the encouragement but will remain in his post as president of Youngstown State University, which he has held for almost four years.
“Appreciate so much the kind words regarding the US Senate campaign Such an important role. Admire what our Senators do,” Tressel tweeted. “Ellen and I are committed to continuing our work at YSU. Much accomplished. Much to do! #YandProud #AmericanandProud.
The news comes a day after the Washington Examiner reported that Republicans were hoping Tressel would show interest in a potential campaign, pointing to his high statewide name identification and fundraising ability.
Prior to his current post at Youngstown State, Tressel served as head football coach at Ohio State, where he won one national title and appeared in two other BCS national title games.
The Ohio Senate race was blown open last week after State Treasurer Josh Mandel announced that he would withdraw from the race. Rep. Jim Renacci, R-Ohio, announced earlier Thursday that he will jump into the Senate race and forego his bid for the state’s governorship.
One other possibility for the campaign is J.D. Vance, the author of Hillbilly Elegy, who is seriously considering a campaign after courting from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
Brown is one of ten Democratic senators seeking re-election this year in a state won by President Trump.
