COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ever the wordsmith, newly appointed lieutenant governor and former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel was mum on his future in Ohio politics.

Tressel, who was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine, said he’s been too busy to contemplate a run for governor in 2026, when DeWine’s term limit reaches its end. See an earlier interview with Tressel in the video player above.

“You know what, I haven’t thought about one thing these last three weeks,” Tressel told NBC4. “You don’t even stop to have 10-minute lunch when you’re with Governor DeWine. And you’re working from sunup to sundown.”

Tressel, 72, of Mentor, was confirmed by the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate in February to serve as DeWine’s new right-hand man. He replaced Jon Husted, who DeWine picked as a U.S. Senator after the resignation of JD Vance to become Vice President.

A former Ohio State and Youngstown State football coach, Tressel will now assume the job through the end of Husted’s term in January 2027. DeWine is ineligible for a third term as governor, and Tressel remains silent on whether he will run for office in 2026.

“I’ve always prided myself as a coach to make sure my people and myself are focused on the moment, and then we worry about those outcomes and then we’d worry about the future,” said Tressel, who also worked as president at Youngstown State. “So no, I’m just trying to figure out how I can be helpful in this role, let alone any other role.”

Should Tressel announced his candidacy for governor, he would face several competitors from the Republican party. Attorney General Dave Yost announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination, as did billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy. As well, former Morgan County school board president Heather Hill threw her cap into the race.

DeWine’s former health director, Amy Acton, announced she will seek the Democratic nomination.

Tressel had never held public office before but has served in multiple leadership roles in football and college administration.