Jim Tressell, most known for his stint -- and forced departure -- as head football coach at Ohio State, first gained his coaching chops at Youngstown State University, also in Ohio, where he led the Penguins to four Division IAA Championips in six tries over 15 seasons. (Considering his success, it's somewhat odd that he only had one undefeated season in that span, perhaps an even greater credit to his coaching.)

Now, some connected with the university want him back -- not as head coach -- but as the school's president following the unexpected departure of former president Randy Dunn to the same title but of the entire Southern Illinois collegiate system, according to Inside Higher Ed.

"As long time supporters of Youngstown State University, we are writing to offer our full and unequivocal support behind Jim Tressel to be the next president of Youngstown State University," Representative Tim Ryan, an Ohio Democrat, and 30 others wrote in a letter to the school's board of trustees, Inside Higher Ed reported. "We hope that the Board considers moving expeditiously to make this happen."

The move from football coach to school president would seem like a greater transition if it wasn't for Tressel's current post as a vice president at the University of Akron, also in Ohio (and winners of the 2010 NCAA division I championship in men's soccer). He actually had a better record at Ohio State (106-22) than at Youngstown State (135-57), but he didn't win as many titles (one in three appearances as a Buckeye).

Those at Youngstown State aren't necessarily against Tressel, but they are against hiring him in the "expeditious" manner Ryan and company are requesting.

"Anybody that is going to be considered for the presidency of YSU -- the faculty will not accept anybody who is anointed," said Chet Cooper, chairman of the Youngstown State Academic Senate. "It is going to have be somebody who goes through a national search - be that anybody."