Mike Tressel was hired in 2023. He came over with Luke Fickell when he was hired as the head coach. So who is Mike Tressel? Let’s take a closer look and get to know the Badgers’ defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach.
Who Is Mike Tressel? Facts About The Badgers Coach
- He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Cornell (Iowa) College in 1996 and received a master’s degree in sports administration from South Dakota in 1998.
- Tressel spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Ohio State (2002-03), along with Fickell.
- Known for constructing some of the best defenses in the nation, Tressel helped coach the Spartans to final FBS Top 10 rankings in total and rushing defense on six occasions.
- In Tressel’s first season, 2021, the Bearcats’ defense was outstanding, ranking fifth nationally in scoring defense (16.5) and No. 10 in total defense (318.4).
Mike Tressel’s Age And Personal Life
Tressel is 49 years old. He is married to his wife Megan and they have two children together, Logan and Quincy. He comes from a family of coaching excellence. His father, Richard spent 23 seasons as the head coach of Hamline and also coached 11 years at Ohio State. His uncle, Jim Tressel is one Badgers fans will recognize as the head coach of Ohio State in the early 2000s. His grandfather, Lee Tressel, ranked as one of the winningest coaches in Division III history and won a National Championship at Baldwin-Wallace College.
Where Is Mike Tressel From?
Tressel is originally from Gibsonburg, Ohio. He attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and was a defensive back there for four years. His longest coaching tenure was at Michigan State where he coached some of the top defenses in college football. He joined Luke Fickell at Cincinnati in 2021.
Mike Tressel Coaching Experience
| Year | School/Team | Position |
| 1996-97 | South Dakota | Graduate Assistant |
| 1998-2000 | Wartburg | Offensive Line |
| 2001 | Wartburg | Offensive Coordinator |
| 2002-03 | Ohio State | Graduate Assistant – LBs |
| 2004-06 | Cincinnati | Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers |
| 2007-15 | Michigan State | Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers |
| 2016-17 | Michigan State | Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers |
| 2018-19 | Michigan State | Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers |
| 2020 | Michigan State | Safeties |
| 2021-22 | Cincinnati | Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers |
| 2023-present | Wisconsin | Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers |
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