Iconic Football Coach Hit With Disturbing Charges

Former USF Coach Jim Leavitt is facing serious charges following a domestic dispute with his girlfriend, according to Florida police.

Leavitt, who headed the University of South Florida football program, was charged Monday night with theft and battery after an alleged fight that took place at an apartment complex in St. Petersburg. The 68-year-old was reportedly fighting with his girlfriend when the argument turned violent.

An affidavit obtained by ESPN details the charges, which include felony grand theft, as well as misdemeanor charges of domestic battery and simple battery.

No lawyer for Leavitt is listed in online jail records, the Daily Mail reported.

The report states that Leavitt turned violent when the woman tried to walk away from a heated argument, grabbing her arm. He’s also accused of stealing her Louis Vuitton, clutch, and wallet and refusing to give them back. Police list the items as valued at more than $5,000.

In addition, Leavitt allegedly pushed another man in the chest who was involved in the fight.

A mugshot obtained by Fox Sports’ Andy Slater shows Leavitt smiling smugly in an orange jumpsuit.

Leavitt’s impressive 95-57 record over 13 seasons earned him an induction into the university’s Hall of Fame during a ceremony that is expected to take place on Oct. 2.

A statement by USF Athletics states that administrators are aware of the charges and that they are working to collect further information. A spokesman for the program did not state whether the arrest would affect Leavitt’s induction.

Leavitt was the first coach of USF’s football program, helping to grow it from its inaugural 1997 season to a No. 2 ranking in the nation a decade later. He remains the winningest coach in school history and led the team to five consecutive bowl appearances from 2005 to 2009.

This week’s arrest isn’t the first time the former coach has had a run-in with the law, the Daily Caller reported.

A 2010 investigation by USF concluded that Leavitt had struck a student-athlete at halftime during a 2009 game. He was subsequently fired by USF.

Leavitt went on to have a short career in the NFL where he served as a linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14, helping lead them to an NFC Championship and a Super Bowl appearance, according to Fox News. He later returned to college ball, coaching for Colorado, Oregon, FAU, and, most recently, SMU in 2021.

Local station WFLA reported that Leavitt was held at Pinellas County Jail, where a judge saw him for an initial arraignment. He stood in front of the camera for the remote proceedings as other inmates looked on.

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