This comes as the NCAA investigates the Buckeyes for possible rules violations.

“In consultation with the senior leadership of the Board of Trustees, I have been actively reviewing matters attendant to our football program, and I have accepted Coach Tressel’s resignation,” said OSU President E. Gordon Gee. “The university’s enduring public purposes and its tradition of excellence continue to guide our actions.”

Jim Tressel said, “After meeting with University officials, we agreed that it is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach. The appreciation that Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is immeasurable.”

Athletics Director Gene Smith said, “We look forward to refocusing the football program on doing what we do best – representing this extraordinary university and its values on the field, in the classroom and in life. We look forward to supporting Luke Fickell in his role as our football coach. We have full confidence in his ability to lead our football program.”

Fickell will serve as interim head coach for the 2011-2012 football season.

Recruitment for a new head coach – which is expected to include external and internal candidates – will not commence until the conclusion of the 2011-2012 season.

People around the Ohio Valley appeared shocked by Tressel's resignation.

"I think it's a shame. He was a great coach and everything. I don't know all the details of why he resigned," said Tim Wile.

"It's unbelievable. I don't know what to say. He was a good coach and it's a shame he has to resign," said Aldi Deangelis.

Those who played under Tressel also reacted to Monday's news.

Starting linebacker Andrew Sweat tweeted, "You have done a tremendous amount for us as football players but more importantly developing us as men."

Alumni were shocked. Eddie Langhenry, a 2008 graduate, says he doesn't deny Tressel did something wrong, but "thought he was going to serve his penalty and coach through it."

Tamieka Cobb, a 2003 grad, says she thinks Tressel "always put his players first."

Previous Stories: March 9, 2011: OSU Releases Tressel E-mails; Possibly From Former Player March 8, 2011: Tressel Suspended For Two Games