Could Jim Tressel be the next University of Akron President?

Yesterday, University of Akron President Luis Proenza announced yesterday that he is stepping down. The Akron Beacon Journal reported that former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel is rumored to be a possible replacement. Proenza will continue through June, then take a yearlong sabbatical, then return to the university as a full-time professor and president emeritus.

Tressel is currently vice president for strategic engagement.  Rumors say he could be named interim president or president when Proenza depart.

From the Dispatch

“He’s probably going to be a candidate, but that’s about all we can say at this point,” university trustee chairman Richard Pogue said in an interview with the Beacon Journal on Monday. “ We’re not in any rush.”

Tressel resigned as head coach at OSU in May 2011 over NCAA violations.

University of Akron trustees will hold a special meeting in September to outline the steps to finding a new president.