Jim Tressel on sidelines

Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel looks on during the second half of a game against Iowa in November 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa. Tressel is a finalist to become the next president of Akron.

(AP Photo | CHARLIE NEIBERGALL)

Former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel is among three finalists in the University of Akron's search for a new president.

Tressel has been an administrator there for two years. He took the job after being forced out at Ohio State following a scandal in which his players sold memorabilia for cash and tattoos.

A campus email today from Akron trustees says the finalists include provosts from two other schools -- Scott Scarborough of the University of Toledo and Ronald Nykiel of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Trustees say each finalist will spend one day next week interviewing with advisory groups. The school's current president, Luis Proenza, is leaving his position in June.

Tressel also applied to be president at Youngstown State University, where he previously coached.