"I know my goal is to win games, but what is my purpose going to be? I decided [when I first became a head coach] that our purpose was going to be to help prepare men to live meaningful lives well beyond football."
--Jim Tressel
For Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel, all the wins and national championships he compiled at Youngstown State University and Ohio State University aren't nearly as important as the life lessons he has taught his players over the years. Now, in the powerful and inspiring More Than a Coach, people who know Tressel, including author David Lee Morgan, Jr., reveal never-before-told-stories of how Tressel's philosophies on football and life impacted their own lives in profound ways. Many have gone on to become teachers, coaches, athletic directors, and law-enforcement officers and have had success far beyond the football field. Tressel's influence can be read in the accounts of his former players and coaches, many of whom talk about the impact of the coach's Winner's Manual--an inspirational collection of writings and clippings that he shares annually with his players. Morgan's in-depth interviews with more than 50 former YSU and OSU individuals--including former YSU athletic director Joe Malmisur, Craig Krenzel, John Cooper, Troy Smith, Beanie Wells, and Archie Griffin, to name a few--are a testament to the power of an exceptional individual. The result is an entertaining and moving book that will give readers a unique perspective on Tressel's lasting legacy not just as a football coach but as a human being.

"I know my goal is to win games, but what is my purpose going to be? I decided [when I first became a head coach] that our purpose was going to be to help prepare men to live meaningful lives well beyond football."
--Jim Tressel
For Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel, all the wins and national championships he compiled at Youngstown State University and Ohio State University aren't nearly as important as the life lessons he has taught his players over the years. Now, in the powerful and inspiring More Than a Coach, people who know Tressel, including author David Lee Morgan, Jr., reveal never-before-told-stories of how Tressel's philosophies on football and life impacted their own lives in profound ways. Many have gone on to become teachers, coaches, athletic directors, and law-enforcement officers and have had success far beyond the football field. Tressel's influence can be read in the accounts of his former players and coaches, many of whom talk about the impact of the coach's Winner's Manual--an inspirational collection of writings and clippings that he shares annually with his players. Morgan's in-depth interviews with more than 50 former YSU and OSU individuals--including former YSU athletic director Joe Malmisur, Craig Krenzel, John Cooper, Troy Smith, Beanie Wells, and Archie Griffin, to name a few--are a testament to the power of an exceptional individual. The result is an entertaining and moving book that will give readers a unique perspective on Tressel's lasting legacy not just as a football coach but as a human being.