COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 16 (UPI) -- Ohio State has given football coach Jim Tressel a new six-year contract.
Tressel, who led the Buckeyes to the national championship in January, will receive more than $1.3 million in the first year of the deal, and the salary will escalate annually, reaching $1.87 in the sixth year.
If he stays at Ohio State through the 2008 season, he will receive $1.5 million in deferred compensation. In addition, he get a $200,000 bonus if the Buckeyes play in the national championship.
"Coach Tressel is doing a truly outstanding job in his work with the players and staff, and also as a university ambassador," said school president Karen A. Holbrook. "He is committed to excellence and values that reflect the highest standards and integrity."
Tressel, 50, spent 15 years at Division I-AA power Youngstown State before replacing John Cooper as Buckeyes' coach prior to the 2001 season, and led the Penguins to the I-AA playoffs 10 times, winning four national titles.
