It’s been almost five days since Ohio State has been without a president, after Ted Carter abruptly resigned from the post over an inappropriate relationship with a podcaster. That duration, especially for an elite program like the Buckeyes, isn’t feasible. That’s why meetings are already underway, and the committee is moving quickly as they work toward naming the university’s 18th president.

The frontrunner is Provost Ravi Bellamkonda, and by most sources, his confirmation is almost complete. But if that does not go through, veteran OSU coach Jim Tressel could make a comeback in this new role. This appointment, though far from the gridiron at The Shoe, will have instant ramifications for Ryan Day, according to Urban Meyer.

Sixteen representatives from the Ohio State College Republicans sent a letter to the University Board of Trustees, expressing “strong support” for Tressel to become the university’s next president. He currently serves as Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor, but there’s clearly so much that makes him a great choice to be the next OSU president. Tressel was the school’s head football coach from 2001 to 2011, winning a National Championship in 2002. Most importantly, Tressel served as President at Youngstown State University for 10 years. The combination of his experience in football and politics made for a good pitch.

“Throughout his distinguished career in higher education and public service, Lt. Governor Tressel has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to the success of Ohio’s students and communities,” the representatives said in a statement. “His experience leading major institutions, working collaboratively with stakeholders across the state, and representing Ohio with professionals makes him uniquely qualified to guide one of the nation’s premier public universities…It is time for a true Ohioan &Buckeye to lead.”

However, a major controversy during Jim Tressel’s tenure can become a roadblock. The scandal, later coming to be known simply as “Tattoogate,” was a set of major NCAA rules violations that led to Tressel’s resignation.

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice notified Ohio State that several items of Buckeye memorabilia were found during a federal drug-trafficking raid on a Columbus tattoo parlor owned by Edward Rife. The memorabilia included championship rings and jerseys, among other things. Many players, including star quarterback Terrelle Pryor, were found to have traded memorabilia for cash and tattoos. At that time, these actions violated NCAA rules. An investigation later alleged that the practice involved at least 28 players and was dating back to 2002.

Jim Tressel was held liable for his failure to report these activities. Emails from January 2011 revealed that Tressel had been alerted to the violations by attorney Christopher Cicero by April 2010. Tressel stayed silent and even went ahead and signed an annual NCAA compliance form in September 2010 stating he had no knowledge of any rules infractions.

Tressel resigned on May 30, 2011 and received a five-year show-cause penalty and was fined $250,000. OSU had to vacate all 12 wins from their 2010 season, including the 2011 Sugar Bowl victory. The program also got a one year bowl ban, loss of nine scholarships over three years, and two years of NCAA probation. Several players who were involved were suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season.

All of this makes Jim Tressel a candidate with a lot of baggage. Considering the circumstances of Ted Carter’s exit, it becomes more clear why OSU is reportedly looking within the school to replace Carter.

According to the Columbus Dispatch, Provost Ravi Bellamkonda is likely to be the next president of the university. He’s been running the day-to-day academic side and wouldn’t bring any of the old-school baggage that Tressel carries. Carter called him the “most important hire” he made as university president.

The Board of Trustees gathered at the Longaberger Alumni House this morning (March 12) for a ‘special meeting’ to choose the university’s next leader. Regardless of who the board chooses, how football head coach Ryan Day bonds with the new president should be a key factor behind their decision.

Urban Meyer drops very important President-HC wisdom

As the former head coach of Ohio State, Meyer saw the school hire two presidents during his tenure. Based on his own experience, he stressed that the relationship between the University President and the head coach is the most important one on campus. It ensures the welfare of the program and the university’s interests.

“The alignment and relationship with the President University for the head football coach is imperative to be on point,” Meyer said on the Triple Option Podcast. “When you talk about alignment from the top down, it changed when Gordon Gee left. My comfort level wasn’t the same.”

The president is the one who usually oversees the athletic department, approves major budgets, and helps shape the direction of the program. When he and the head coach are on the same page, it becomes easier to make decisions about hiring staff, funding facilities, supporting players, and managing the overall direction of the program.

Urban Meyer suggested that because football is such a major part of Ohio State University’s identity, Coach Ryan Day will probably have some level of input or insight regarding this matter. Day is not officially part of the selection committee, but his perspective will be valued.

Jim Tressel and Ravi Bellamkonda are both OSU voices, but Tressel easily carries more weight because of his popularity in the program, the school, and in the state. Bellamkonda has only spent one year as the university provost, but has a great reputation in the state’s educational landscape. We have to wait and watch whether the school goes for tradition in Tressel, or a safe pick in Bellamkonda.