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USF coach Leavitt says his job is 'bigger than football'

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By DAVE NICHOLSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 10, 2009

PLANT CITY - University of South Florida head coach Jim Leavitt said today that the most rewarding part of his job is helping shape the lives of his players.

"It's a lot bigger than football," Leavitt told members of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

Leavitt said his successes on the field including bowl appearances have been gratifying, but he finds it most rewarding when players return years later to tell him of the roles he played in their personal development.

"That in the end if why I coach," said Leavitt, who was hired in 1995 as USF's first and only head football coach.

Leavitt is an occasional featured speaker at chamber breakfasts in Plant City, and chamber Chairman Ed Verner called the Bulls football program "an unbelievable success story."

In a wide ranging speech, Leavitt said:

• Despite the loss of 23 seniors, the team has a lot of talent in its coming year, which includes games against Florida State University and the University of Miami. New players showing promise include Mark Popek, a former offensive tackle at Plant City High School.
• Leavitt credited the support of retired Plant City car dealer B.M. "Mac" Smith Jr. for helping in the early years by furnishing a car for the coaching staff.
• Leavitt praised his assistant coaches, supporters and others in building the team. "It's not Jim Leavitt that's building this program," he said.
• Leavitt said he doubts USF will have a campus stadium of its own, at least for years to come. "Who's got $200 million to build us a stadium? Not in my lifetime," he said. But Raymond James Stadium, where the Bulls play, is a state-of-the-art facility and is one of the best recruiting tools for players, he said. Prospects like the idea of playing at home in a stadium that hosted Super Bowls, he said. Some major universities don't have stadiums of their own, including Southern California and the University of Miami, he said.
• He encouraged chamber members to attend the Bulls football games. "The best thing you can do is come to the games and be a part of a great story," he said.
• Leavitt doubts college football is likely to adopt a playoff system for determining a national champion. "I think the bowls are here to stay," he said.

Reporter Dave Nicholson can be reached at (813) 627-4727.

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