WBRZ - Baton Rouge

COLUMBUS, Ohio- Ohio State says football coach Jim Tressel has resigned as the NCAA investigates the Buckeyes for possible rules violations.

The university announced the resignation this morning. Tressel says in a statement that he met with university officials and agreed that it is in Ohio State's best interest that he resign.

The school says Luke Fickell, an assistant head coach under Tressel, will serve as interim head coach for the 2011-2012 season.

University President E. Gordon Gee says the university's "public purposes" and "tradition of excellence" are guiding its actions.