Mike Tressel

Defensive Coordinator · Wisconsin

Headline rating: as defensive coordinator. Every role he has been rated in is below.

Chemistry

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index in development

Seasons here4

Programs3

Stints4

Career path

Head-coaching stints since 1936; assistant roles since 2016

2023–2026WisconsinDefensive Coordinator

2021–2022CincinnatiDefensive Coordinator / Linebackers

2020Michigan StateSafeties Coach

2016–2019Michigan StateAssistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Rating73Peak89

His defense against its preseason projection (value over expectation) and the unit's opponent-adjusted quality.

Season	Team	Unit (EPA/play)	Over expectation	Season score
2025	Wisconsin	0.03	0.01	0.18
2024	Wisconsin	0.01	-0.04	-0.36
2023	Wisconsin	0.05	-0.08	-0.43
2022	Cincinnati	0.09	0.00	0.49
2021	Cincinnati	0.16	0.04	1.18
2019	Michigan State	0.12	-0.01	0.55
2018	Michigan State	0.16	0.10	1.74
2017	Michigan State	0.10	0.11	1.47
2016	Michigan State	-0.02	—	-0.10

Season score: 0 = an average season in this role; positive = better.

Rating78Peak85

Room quality, development (his players gaining more than typical players at the position year to year) and recruiting credit.

Season	Team	Room	Room quality	Development	Recruiting	Season score
2025	Wisconsin	Linebackers	80	-1.8	0.864	0.28
2024	Wisconsin	Linebackers	72	-3.4	0.896	-0.15
2023	Wisconsin	Linebackers	84	+0.4	0.844	0.57
2022	Cincinnati	Linebackers	83	-0.9	0.889	0.72
2021	Cincinnati	Linebackers	86	+5.2	0.853	1.14
2020	Michigan State	Defensive backs	72	-2.9	0.865	-0.28
2019	Michigan State	Linebackers	84	+9.6	0.846	1.29
2018	Michigan State	Linebackers	84	-2.3	0.876	0.56
2017	Michigan State	Linebackers	79	-3.8	0.862	0.09
2016	Michigan State	Linebackers	76	—	0.828	-0.05

Season score: 0 = an average season in this role; positive = better.