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Gregory Out As Bulls Offensive Coordinator

Tribune photo by SCOTT ISKOWITZ

Gregory is the first assistant that head coach Jim Leavitt has fired in 12 seasons at USF.

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 17, 2009

TAMPA - Two years after promoting Greg Gregory to offensive coordinator, University of South Florida coach Jim Leavitt fired Gregory on Saturday night.

Gregory was fired less than two hours after Gregory and the Bulls' coaching staff had dinner with about a dozen recruits making their official visits. Gregory is the first assistant Leavitt has fired in 12 seasons at USF.

A 28-year coaching veteran, including 16 years as a head coach or offensive coordinator, Gregory was hired as USF's tight ends coach in 2005.

Gregory, 50, had no comment when contacted Saturday night.

In Gregory's first year as USF's offensive coordinator in 2007, the Bulls set nine school records, including yards per game (414.1).

With 10 returning offensive starters in 2008, USF's yards per game dipped slightly to 405. USF's scoring also decreased from 34.7 points to 27.6 in 2008 - in part because the defense had five fewer touchdowns and forced 14 fewer turnovers than 2007.

USF wide receivers coach Mike Canales, who was USF's first offensive coordinator from 1996-2000, is the favorite to replace Gregory.

In an interview with The Tampa Tribune late last season, Gregory said the offense wasn't "playing as well as 2007. Mistakes are what's keeping us from scoring."

Leavitt did not return calls seeking comment. In a statement, Leavitt said: "It is time for our program to move in another direction."

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