ZipRoo

Don't know if he posted it here or not, but a trusted source with very high connections at UA just told me that Tressel and another coach both turned down the job yesterday. Obviously, I don't *want* to believe the report, but he sincerely believes it's accurate.

Dambrot is smart enough to know that Tressel's influence with donors can help get his new gym built. What's good for one sport is good for the entire athletic program. Dambrot and Porter *should* be smart enough to know that to bring a legendary coach like Tress to Akron will cost big money. But they need to see the "overall good," and not just compare their sport to football. That's where Huggins missed it years ago. His ego couldn't handle being second-fiddle. In reality, each sport is "top fiddle" during their own *successful* seasons. There shouldn't be combative rivalry between UA coaches, but support...and I truly believe Tressel will bring support(ers) to both the outstanding soccer and basketball programs. It's no secret that Americans prefer football over every other sport; it's just the way it is. A strong football program at UA can only be a good thing to encourage involvement in the other sports, as well. It's all good.

Our luck, the device would be made by GP1 and drive JT out of town.

My source is now backtracking, thank heavens. JT could indeed be there.

Sure hope that TXT'er knows what he's talking about. My campus source just hinted that it's "not sound info" (about Tressel on campus).

I'll bet GP1 needs a diaper right about now.

How many times do people in-the-know have to say it: Money is not an issue here. Folks were quivvering over a $350K paycheck to R.I. Understand this: UA has socked well over $150-million into athletic facilities (JAR, InfoCision, soccer stadium, practice facility). Athletics is a MAJOR priority for this administration. Paying a man who can enhance the investment is a no-brainer. Ianello lost millions for the school in only two years. Tressel will put UA athletics back on the map and in the black. There is a LOT of alumni money in this area, rest assured. It can be pried loose when the school makes an impact move such as this that will turn the corner for UA.

Not I. I'm guessing he/she is speaking of GoZips post?!? +1. Good find. Make him a moderator. He got the scoop first-hand.

Wowie, the haters are out in full force this morning, eh? Have a cup of Ianello and come back to the other side of the bed. Wistrcill himself told one of ZNO's moderators that Tressel coming to coach was a possibility. Why are you folks now so intent on saying anything other than that? Search committee? C'mon. I know you don't want to get your hopes up, so you're bracing for bad news. But, just as we did with applying pressure to UA to be rid of the 2-year problem, apply your energy now into clearly stating your optimistic reasons to UA why you'd like Tressel to resurrect this program. Otherwise, left to their own devices, I shudder to think about the no-name loser TW and his merry band will saddle us with.

To those above who don't see the importance of Jim Dennison, you may be too young to know. Jim has always been held in the highest regard in the coaching community. Even Bo Schembechler blasted Akron for removing him as coach. Then-UA President Bill Muse and his hillbilly AD Adams concocted the idea of "promoting" him to some job in the Athletic Dept. so Faust could move the program to D-1. The backlash was harsh. Dennison and Tressel are so tight, Jim said they spoke 2-3 times a week. How many of your close friends do you call 2 or 3 time a week? Their bond is extremely close. Therefore, it would behoove Akron to not only hire Tressel, but also to recognize in a greater way the contributions of Tressel's mentor and one of UA's greatest football coaches. I'm sure time and a changing of the guard has healed a lot of the wounds from a quarter-century ago. But these are two great men in the field of college football--and both have deep roots with Akron. It's time their ties and accomplishments were brought out more, as there are still older alumni who remain bitter about what transpired decades ago.

#1: I wouldn't remain with GP1 on anything. #2: Tressel sitting on UA's "search committee" is less plausible than taking the job himself. #3: I do agree about your last point, although...even if Tressel had never been in the mix, I don't know if there's ANY other coaching prospect anywhere that could've excited this apathetic fanbase. Which is precisely why UA cannot take no for an answer from Tress. There's wayyyy too much at stake here for the University.

What's funnier is that yesterday someone here said Akron should hire Ron Zook instead. Uh-huh. Akron has zero to lose in hiring Jim Tressel. Everything is upside. EVERYTHING. When your program has been off the map this long and is at such a low point on the field and in the stands, the appearance of an icon is like an oasis in the desert. Keep in mind one phrase that Wistrcill kept using over and over in his statement to the media following Ianello's exit: "the student-athlete experience." The college experience for the kids. To my knowledge, no one has ever stressed the importance of that more than Tressel, as reflected in the many traditions he led the team in at OSU.

It's one thing to say "I doubt so-and-so will happen," and quite another to state as fact "This will not happen."

With all due respect, zip13, making definitive statements--like you know 100% for certain--that something will or will not happen is exactly why half the members on this board, plus Mike Rasor, have egg on their faces today. They said "There's no way Akron will fire Ianello and eat 3 years." Fact is, if Akron had to "show cause" why they'd hire Jim Tressel, I'd direct them to our record the past 5 years, the empty stadium, the bottom of the BCS polls, the fan revolt and serious loss of income. If the NCAA truly is so ignorant that they don't feel a quality man and coach like Jim Tressel could remedy this situation, then the organization needs to be disbanded. Frankly, they're fortunate some higher authority hasn't already disbanded the corrupt NCAA. Furthermore, at back-to-back 1-11 seasons, I'd be willing to give up any "bowl appearances" for two years up front, if that's what it took to bring Tressel to campus. In other words, there is no roadblock that would stop me in pursuing and hiring Jim Tressel here. It's the perfect fit and the answer to our decades-long problem. The NCAA really needs to turn its attention to sex scandals, point-shaving, and other tawdry messes across the country...and leave The University of Akron to hire the best coach on the market: Jim Tressel. So until we hear something definitive from a more reliable source than a total newcomer to this board, how about keeping your negative theories to yourself?

I do dream of something bigger for the University. I think there are a lot of guys we could go after who could get us there and I don't understand why everyone thinks the Tressel/OSU shortcut is the only way to be successful. We need to look at various possibilities and find the right person. This jumping on the USS Tressel doesn't smell right to me and I think it might be bad for him and us in the long run. Just know that among Zips Nation, you stand completely alone in your belief, GP1. YES TO TRESS...say it, dream it, make it happen.

UA has always had lofty ideas, beginning with the hopes that Gerry Faust would, for the first time ever, lead a D-2 team into D-1. Now, after 25 years at this level, with the amazing facilities and overall growth of the campus, there may well be interest in pursuing a BCS conference in the next few years. If that is true, only a nationally-known coach like Tressel would enable Akron to make the leap. On so many different levels, this marriage seems destined. UA officials need to remember one more thing: Tressel has legions of fans from all over this state. He wouldn't just be attracting Akron area fans to InfoCision, but people from all over. Despite GP1's negativity and the ridiculous tattoo crap, which looks like child's play compared with Penn State and Syracuse (who among us doesn't believe a kid has the right to sell his own property?), Jim Tressel is a beloved and respected coach and human being. A man of his stature would elevate The University of Akron to heights never before seen. And that has always been the impetus of Dr. Proenza.

I haven't talked to my inside source, as things have happened so quickly, I don't know if he'd be up-to-speed yet on the search. However, based on everything I've read from multiple sources, my gut feeling is it's a better than 50/50 chance. Of course, we know where Butch Davis's gut feelings got him.

I believe that was a "suggestion" by one of the posters, in the event that Tressel turns down the coaching job. Chances of either of those two men being involved with the search committee are slim and probably none.

I just went back through this entire thread and there is not one hint of anyone suggesting Tressel couldn't win at Akron. Not one person said "don't hire Tressel". What on earth are you taking umbrage with? Then you need to re-read....slowly this time.

The few naysayers here, I have one question for you: So you have already decided Tressel couldn't win at Akron. Then pray tell me who could? Exactly which inferior coach would YOU hire other than the great Jim Tressel? If you can't come up with a solid name, please stop posting your nonsense. UA, you hire the best and expect results. Gerry Faust, Lee Owens and JD all had winning seasons here, and Jim Tressel can outcoach any of them in his sleep. Beyond that, though, if you naysayers can't see the intangibles that Tressel brings to UA athletics and the school and community as a whole, then you're extremely shortsighted and I question whether you're a real Zip fan who wants the best for the Greater Akron area.

To add to Blue & Gold's list: Tressel is also a NE Ohio guy. His roots run deep here. Local high school coaches love Tressel. His inroads into local recruiting are already there. Tressel would also be following in the footsteps of his mentor and lifelong friend, Jim Dennison. (Yes, I know there were bad feelings when Dennison was replaced, but that administration is long gone. The current heirarchy can't be held responsible for that blunder.)

How many goosebumps will you have if we lose to two bcs teams next year and our ooc foe, in say the first three weeks of the season next year? Short term, Faust sold tickets for UofA. Short term, Tressel will sell tickets. Long term? How fast will people turn on Tressel if the team goes 3-9 next year? Oh, okay, GP1. Guess we should just forget it then. Thanks for your input.

Gotta admit, I get goosebumps just knowing that Tressel is in serious discussions with UA. Imagine the atmosphere around school and the community if this comes to fruition. Game Days would be utterly INSANE. I'm sure that's what Proenza envisioned when he commissioned the new stadium...now we just need that one final piece to make it all happen and take UA to the next level. Tress is the man.

I'm absolutely scared $H!+less about TW making another coaching decision. If anyone heard Wistrcill with French at halftime of last night's game, there's good reason to be scared. He made it sound like it's his baby.

Outstanding news. Can't ya feel the excitement in the air already? UA officials better know one thing: they need to make an ENORMOUS SPLASH with this hiring. Akron: The same source that confirmed to us the Akron news on Tuesday has told us that Akron officials are targeting Jim Tressel. For what it's worth, Akron's facilities are considered "the best in the MAC".