The last time Mark Dantonio coached in the Big Ten, it was 2003 and he was defensive coordinator under Jim Tressel at Ohio State. His return to the Big Ten means he's now going against Tressel, but that didn't stop the Buckeyes coach from expressing his happiness Monday.

"I'm so proud to have Mark Dantonio back in the Big Ten," Tressel said Monday in a statement.

"It's a little bit like when one of your players receives his degree or is a first-round draft choice. You just feel good about what they have accomplished."

Despite their good relationship, it won't be to be all hugs when the teams meet next October.

"We are looking forward to competing against him," Tressel said, "but the neighborhood just got tougher."