Ohio State gives Tressel rich new contract

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel has been given a raise that, at $3.5 million a year, makes him the highest paid coach in the Big Ten Conference.

Ohio State officials said Tressel's new agreement pays him more than $1 million a year more than his previous contract and includes raises of 3-4 percent each year until it expires Jan. 31, 2013.

An Ohio State release said Tressel will be the highest paid coach in the Big Ten and "in the top 10 nationally among collegiate coaches."

The Ohio State release said the school's coaches' salaries are paid with Athletics Department funds and no public monies are used.

Tressel is beginning his eighth season as the Buckeyes' head coach. He owns a 73-16 record at Ohio State and is 208-73-2 in his career. Under Tressel, the Buckeyes have won four Big Ten titles and played in three national championship games.