One question I have about JT is WHY deesn't he have a PHD? There is no reason I can think of, but that is the second biggest question about a return to OSU. This is obviously very early on in the process and the "early leader" seldome wins. I, for one, hope he finishes his career at YSU. He has done GREAT things here, but there is MUCH to do.
As someone with a Ph.D., it's a lot of work. I suspect that's why Tressel doesn't have one. He built his career as a football coach. I am not sure why he'd spend years doing an academic research project. Granted, it would likely be in something like exercise science or in some business administration thing...but getting your Ph.D. isn't like getting an MBA at night or something.
I would be shocked if OSU went the route of a gimmick hire like Tressel or Kasich. The institution has too much national prestige for something like that. It isn't just the lack of a Ph.D. It s the lack of any serious academic or teaching credentials for either of these guys. Now, in fairness, more institutions are going this route it seems. I just think OSU thinks too much of itself to do it. Tressel was a silly choice for YSU, but he is a local celebrity and YSU is functional a regional university. It makes more sense. I can't see any other institution he would make sense for in such a high level position.