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USF Revises Leavitt's New Contract Offer

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By BRETT McMURPHY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 5, 2008

TAMPA - University of South Florida athletic director Doug Woolard has revised the school's latest contract offer to football coach Jim Leavitt. The new deal increases the amount Leavitt would receive if fired from USF and also offers to decrease Leavitt's buyout.

The latest offer comes four days after The Tampa Tribune reported Leavitt had been offered a two-year extension paying him $12.6 million for seven years through 2014.
Woolard first offered Leavitt a contract extension Nov. 29, but it remains unsigned.

The latest contract proposal, obtained by the Tribune in a public records request, gives Leavitt two options for his yearly compensation and the amount he would receive if terminated by USF without cause.

Option 1 is the original seven-year, $12.6 million deal initially offered to Leavitt. That annual proposed salary: $1.5 million (2008), $1.6 million (2009), $1.7 million (2010), $1.8 million (2011), $1.9 million (2012), $2 million (2013) and $2.1 million (2014).

If fired without cause - such as poor performance - Leavitt would receive the following: $4.2 million (2008), $3.75 million (2009), $3.2 million (2010), $2.55 million (2011), $1.8 million (2012), $950,000 (2013 and 2014).

Option 2 is a six-year, $10.4 million deal - $1.6 million (2008), $1.65 million (2009), $1.75 million (2010), $1.75 million (2011), $1.75 million (2012) and $1.9 million (2013).

If fired without cause Leavitt would receive: $4 million (2008), $3.4 million (2009), $2.7 million (2010), $1.9 million (2011), $1 million (2012) and $1.05 million (2013).

The newest proposal also offers that "USF will accept a buyout of $750,000 in Year 1 2008 in the event Coach does not agree that $1 million is a fair amount."

Leavitt and Woolard have previously refused comment. Neil Cornrich, Leavitt's attorney, did not return a phone call or e-mail Monday seeking comment.

McCARNEY TURNS DOWN SOUTH ALABAMA: USF defensive line coach Dan McCarney turned down an offer Sunday to become the first coach at the University of South Alabama, a source with knowledge of McCarney's decision told the Tribune.

"I was honored to be considered and be involved with it," McCarney said. "South Alabama AD Joe Gottfried is one of the great administrators in college athletics."

McCarney came to USF last season after a 12-year stint as head coach at Iowa State, leading the Cyclones to five bowl games in his last seven seasons.

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

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