What if Ohio State had hired Glen Mason in 2001 instead of Jim Tressel?
Mason, who played at Ohio State and was once an assistant coach in Columbus, wanted to leave the Gophers and succeed Buckeyes’ coach John Cooper. “If you go back and read the reports, it looked like the day before (Tressel was announced) that Mason was the leading candidate,” said Dave Mona who worked with Mason on WCCO Radio shows for several years. “He would have been delighted if chosen.”
Mason’s friends know him as a coach who led programs for 21 seasons at Kent State, Kansas and Minnesota without NCAA penalties. I asked Mason about cheating in college football years ago and he said, “I wouldn’t be able to look my son in the eye.”
Tressel resigned last week after months of controversy surrounding himself and several of his players. Tressel admitted not notifying school administrators of NCAA violations involving his players and speculation is that rules violations may be more widespread during his coaching era than previously believed.
Ohio State’s and the NCAA’s investigation of the football program is ongoing. Certainly the Buckeyes have been a success on the field under Tressel, winning nine of 10 games against hated rival Michigan, playing in eight BCS games and sharing or winning seven Big Ten championships, but Mason supporters will argue OSU would have been a winner and also on the straight-and-narrow had he become the coach.
Would Ohio State call Mason again? Assistant coach Luke Fickell is the interim head coach for the season, but a coaching search is possible after the Buckeyes finish their schedule. Mona believes Mason, 61, might be interested in the job.
“Glen certainly could be responsive to phone calls,” Mona said. “I don’t think the loyalty to Ohio State goes away.”
Mason played reserve linebacker at Ohio State under legendary coach Woody Hayes, earning a letter in 1970. He was an assistant coach in Columbus from 1978-1985. Every year Mason goes back to Columbus to play in the Jack Nicklaus golf tournament, an indication of his many ties and relationships in Ohio.
There is speculation, too, whether the Ohio State athletics director job will be open later this year. Gene Smith will be under scrutiny as the investigation moves along. Mason’s name might come up with an AD opening.
Gary Hohman, a former Gophers’ football player and friend of Mason for many years knows the Buckeyes will need the right kind of leadership in the months and years ahead. “Integrity is the No. 1 thing that Glen Mason presents,” Hohman said. “I think that’s something they’re looking for.”