The only coach the Bulls have had in the program’s 13-year history leaves after an investigation that was initiated after a FanHouse report that stated Leavitt grabbed sophomore Joel Miller by the throat and hit the walk-on twice in the face Nov. 21 at halftime of the Louisville game.
Leavitt was told he was not returning Friday morning in a meeting with USF president Judy Genshaft.
Findings of the investigation into allegations will be released later today.
Meanwhile, South Florida assistants were ordered off the road to meet with Genshaft and athletic director Doug Woolard.
Updates:
12:47 p.m. – USF running backs coach Carl Franks is the interim head coach, USF officials told The Oracle.
12:42 p.m. – Pres. Genshaft: Coach Leavitt committed a serious violation of our standards of conduct regarding the treatment of students.
12:13 p.m. – Text of letter about firing of USF Football Coach Jim Leavitt
12:02 p.m. – FanHouse exclusive: Investigative report details Leavitt’s lies
11:40 a.m. – Bright House Sports: Entire USF coaching staff expected to be fired along with Jim Leavitt.
11:36 a.m. – Offensive coordinator Mike Canales said Friday that he was called in during a visit with a recruit and was headed for Tampa. “I’m at a loss for words.”
11:34 a.m. – Jim Leavitt on firing: “I’m very disappointed…I will respond in time.”
11:31 a.m. – USF to Hold News Conference today at 12:30 p.m. to provide information regarding the investigation of football coach Jim Leavitt.
10:47 a.m. – ABC Action News reports here.
10:46 a.m. – St. Petersburg Times finally gets around to reporting on the story.
10:18 a.m. – USF coach Jim Leavitt has been fired, according to reports by ESPN.com and Fanhouse.com. More on this soon.
10:09 a.m. – Bay News 9: Report: Jim Leavitt fired as USF football coach
9:45 a.m. – ESPN Mobile: BREAKING NEWS: According to sources, South Florida has fired Jim Leavitt for alleged mistreatment.
