I think Leavitt has been quietly hinting all this year and last year that he wants to leave South Florida for a big time BCS program that has no NCAA probation worries. And with Miami's recent collapses, I have to think that Leavitt would leave for Miami in a heartbeat. Any comments?

How is signing a contract extension a hint that he's trying to leave for a "big time BCS program that has no NCAA worries"?

South Florida Gives Leavitt Contract Extension Through 2012

POSTED: 5:48 pm EST November 30, 2005

Tampa, FL -- South Florida head football coach Jim Leavitt agreed to a contract extension through 2012 on Thursday, according to director of athletics Doug Woolard.

"I've said from the very beginning that USF is one of the best coaching jobs in America," said Leavitt. "I really feel that way. I am very fortunate to coach for USF and it's something I will never take for granted."

The only coach in the 10-year history of the program has the Bulls in position for a bowl bid this season, as South Florida (6-4, 4-2 Big East) prepares for its season finale versus West Virginia on Saturday.

The Bulls were two victories away from receiving the Big East's BCS bid, but lost 15-10 at Connecticut last Saturday to give West Virginia the league title.

Leavitt will make a $600,000 base salary in 2006 with the deal averaging $1 million per year when including compensation for media appearances.

CatsClaw Wrote:How is signing a contract extension a hint that he's trying to leave for a "big time BCS program that has no NCAA worries"?

Dennis Franchione did exactly the same thing at Alabama, and then quickly left for Texas A&M. Signing a contract extension is not a hint that he's trying to leave for a big time BCS program (with no NCAA problems), but he has been leaving hints that a lot of people have been ignoring. He left one hint after turning down Alabama (big time for sure, but had NCAA worries at the time). He left another hint with UCF series comment.

DawgNBama Wrote:

CatsClaw Wrote:How is signing a contract extension a hint that he's trying to leave for a "big time BCS program that has no NCAA worries"?

Dennis Franchione did exactly the same thing at Alabama, and then quickly left from Texas A&M. Signing a contract extension is not a hint that he's trying to leave for a big time BCS program (with no NCAA problems), but he has been leaving hints that a lot of people have been ignoring. He left one hint after turning down Alabama (big time for sure, but had NCAA worries at the time). He left another hint with UCF series comment.

What exactly was the hint?

cuseroc Wrote:

DawgNBama Wrote:

CatsClaw Wrote:How is signing a contract extension a hint that he's trying to leave for a "big time BCS program that has no NCAA worries"?

Dennis Franchione did exactly the same thing at Alabama, and then quickly left from Texas A&M. Signing a contract extension is not a hint that he's trying to leave for a big time BCS program (with no NCAA problems), but he has been leaving hints that a lot of people have been ignoring. He left one hint after turning down Alabama (big time for sure, but had NCAA worries at the time). He left another hint with UCF series comment.

What exactly was the hint?

Wanting to play more well-known programs, not wanting to play a team that everyone else had no problem with, being flattered that a big time program would consider him..,etc.

USF fans do not worry.

I think it will be Greg Schiano due to his Miami ties. Leavitt is in the perfect situation at USF. The sky is the limit. Schiano can only get so far in that oversaturated market called the NY metro area and should leave RU at the first opportunity as long as it is to a program like Miami's.

Bobby Bowden performed a miracle at FSU. Jim Leavitt could do the same at USF.

However, if Donna Shalala waved enough money under his nose, this discussion could become moot.

DawgNBama Wrote:

cuseroc Wrote:

DawgNBama Wrote:

CatsClaw Wrote:How is signing a contract extension a hint that he's trying to leave for a "big time BCS program that has no NCAA worries"?

Dennis Franchione did exactly the same thing at Alabama, and then quickly left from Texas A&M. Signing a contract extension is not a hint that he's trying to leave for a big time BCS program (with no NCAA problems), but he has been leaving hints that a lot of people have been ignoring. He left one hint after turning down Alabama (big time for sure, but had NCAA worries at the time). He left another hint with UCF series comment.

What exactly was the hint?

Wanting to play more well-known programs, not wanting to play a team that everyone else had no problem with, being flattered that a big time program would consider him..,etc.

So playing a tougher schedule and not wanting to play UCF is a sign he wants to leave the school? It just seems to me that people are still complaining about USF not playing UCF and are disguising it with stuff like this. I mean, seriously, not wanting to play Central Florida is a sign he wants to leave South Florida!?

The man already turned down Alabama why would he go to Miami. That job is Butch Davis IF he wants it and everyone else is second choice.

Maize Wrote:The man already turned down Alabama why would he go to Miami. That job is Butch Davis IF he wants it and everyone else is second choice.

Didn't people also say he would jump to Kansas State?

CatsClaw Wrote:

Maize Wrote:The man already turned down Alabama why would he go to Miami. That job is Butch Davis IF he wants it and everyone else is second choice.

Didn't people also say he would jump to Kansas State?

Yes they did, Leavitt isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

RaliLlama Wrote:USF fans do not worry.

I think it will be Greg Schiano due to his Miami ties. Leavitt is in the perfect situation at USF. The sky is the limit. Schiano can only get so far in that oversaturated market called the NY metro area and should leave RU at the first opportunity as long as it is to a program like Miami's.

Bobby Bowden performed a miracle at FSU. Jim Leavitt could do the same at USF.

However, if Donna Shalala waved enough money under his nose, this discussion could become moot.

Schiano or even Rich Rod from WVU....someone might get offered over $2.0-$2.5 Million to Coach Miami.

Even though ties with their current schools go WAY back...its usually the color GREEN...and/or the chance to lock up South FL recruiting that is a main drawing card to the Coral Gables Head Coaching position.

KL

DawgNBama Wrote:I think Leavitt has been quietly hinting all this year and last year that he wants to leave South Florida for a big time BCS program that has no NCAA probation worries. And with Miami's recent collapses, I have to think that Leavitt would leave for Miami in a heartbeat. Any comments?

0%

I'd say the chances of him going anywhere above USF in college football's pecking order, which includes virtually all BCS schools, are less than zero.

Maize Wrote:The man already turned down Alabama why would he go to Miami. That job is Butch Davis IF he wants it and everyone else is second choice.

\

lmfao lmfao lmfao

Ok...as the great TV philosopher George Constanza once said: It's not a lie, if you believe.

Leavitt was never offered a contract with Bama...he had one brief meeting in Tampa...that was it...plus, Bama found out some interesting aspects of Leavitt's private life...which matched exactly what one of their recent Coach got fired for.

KL

KL is right, Bama never offered the job, the meeting was set up as a favor to a very large booster in Tampa.

That being said, I think Leavitt will be on the short list of candidates mearly because his ties to Florida. The Miami job will come down to two people, Butch Davis and Greg Schiano.

DawgNBama Wrote:I think Leavitt has been quietly hinting all this year and last year that he wants to leave South Florida for a big time BCS program that has no NCAA probation worries. And with Miami's recent collapses, I have to think that Leavitt would leave for Miami in a heartbeat. Any comments?

I think USF owes Leavitt a great deal. In my almost 25 years of following USF athletics, he's easily the best hire we've ever made in any sport.

That said, i do believe that if Leavitt doesn't leave for another school, USF should not renew his contract (or release him if he has many years left on the current one).

Leavitt did exactly what was asked of him - he built a program from scratch to respectability. BUT, i don't believe he has the skills to take us to the next level. We've plateaued as a 6-5 Big East team, and we need a better coach to move us up.

Ironically, Leavitt's efforts have made the USF job pretty attractive, and we should be able to hire a better guy as a result.