Jim Tressel finds himself in a unique position as he prepares to watch the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday. The matchup features No. 7 Notre Dame facing off against No. 8 Ohio State at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. While Tressel has a deep-rooted connection to Ohio State, the presence of his former player, Marcus Freeman, now head coach at Notre Dame, adds a layer of complexity to his viewing experience.
The Bond Between Tressel and Freeman
Tressel, who famously led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2002, has a special relationship with Freeman. The two share a history that dates back to Freeman’s time as a linebacker at Ohio State from 2004 to 2008. Tressel has watched Freeman evolve from a promising player into a head coach, first at Kent State, then Purdue, and now at Notre Dame. This journey has been impressive, and Tressel sees Freeman’s success as a testament to his character and dedication.
“Freeman is true to himself,” Tressel remarked. “He is the same today as he was when he played. He wants to learn from others but also wants to be Marcus Freeman.” This authenticity is a quality Tressel deeply admires, especially in a coaching landscape where emulation can often overshadow individuality.
Coaching Styles: Tressel vs. Freeman
The coaching styles of Tressel and Freeman share some similarities, particularly in their approach to special teams. Tressel built a reputation for valuing this often-overlooked aspect of the game, emphasizing the importance of field goals, punting, and returns. Freeman, who played special teams early in his career, has continued this tradition at Notre Dame.
“I don’t think you have to be too huge a student of football to know the special teams impact is huge,” Tressel explained. “It can be huge against you or huge for you.” This philosophy was evident in Notre Dame’s recent 23-10 victory over No. 2 Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, where special teams played a pivotal role.
Freeman’s strategic acumen also shone through in that game. He made a bold decision to switch from the punt team to the offense during a critical fourth-and-1 situation, leading to a Georgia offsides penalty. “Marcus is a cerebral guy,” Tressel noted. “He loves getting into those chess games to see where he can gain an advantage.”
Reflecting on Freeman’s Journey
Looking back on Freeman’s time at Ohio State, Tressel recalls a loaded linebacker room that included standout players like A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter. Freeman brought a sense of balance to the group. “He and A.J. were kind of the calm of that group, while Bobby and Schlegs were kind of the crazies,” Tressel said. “You need everything. When the ball was snapped, none of them were calm.”
Despite suffering a knee injury in 2005, Freeman bounced back to become a three-year starter, playing in two BCS championship games. Tressel attributes much of Freeman’s character and leadership qualities to his parents, Michael and Chong. “Everyone wants to say, ‘Oh, you did a great job with Marcus,’ well his mom and dad did a great job with Marcus,” Tressel said. “We just didn’t foul him up.”
The Emotional Challenge of the Championship Game
As Tressel prepares to watch the championship game, he likens the experience to coaching against Mark Dantonio, who was Ohio State’s defensive coordinator in 2002 before taking the head coaching job at Michigan State. “It’s cool that two guys I feel like I know pretty well in Marcus and Ryan are playing for the championship,” Tressel shared. “They’re both good young coaches. Just happy for both of them, which makes it hard.”
What does Tressel hope for as the teams take the field? “My goal for this ball game is if both teams can play their best game of the year,” he said. Reflecting on his own experiences, he recalled losing national championship games where his teams played well. “You know what? I can still live with that game,” he added, emphasizing the importance of performance over the final score.
Podcasting with the Next Generation
Tressel’s connection to both coaches extends beyond the field. This fall, he welcomed Freeman and Ohio State head coach Ryan Day to his podcast, “It’s All About The Team.” The three men engaged in a lively discussion about team-building, showcasing their shared commitment to developing strong programs. “You know what it shows – that I’m a good choice of who to put on my podcast,” Tressel joked.
Freeman and Day spent over an hour discussing their philosophies and strategies, highlighting the importance of teamwork in achieving success. Tressel expressed pride in both coaches, noting how they have each carved out their own identities while still drawing from the lessons learned during their time at Ohio State.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As the College Football Playoff championship game approaches, Tressel’s heart is filled with pride and nostalgia. He knows that both teams have the potential to shine on the national stage. With a strong foundation built on teamwork, strategy, and a love for the game, Tressel believes that the future of college football is bright, especially with leaders like Freeman and Day at the helm.
In the end, regardless of the outcome, Tressel’s passion for the game and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of coaches and players remain unwavering. The championship game is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of growth, resilience, and the enduring spirit of college football.
