Football: USF fires football coach Jim Leavitt

TAMPA, Fla. - South Florida football coach Jim Leavitt has been fired following an investigation of an allegation that he struck one of his players in the locker room.

The only coach in the program's 13-year history confirmed his dismissal, telling The Associated Press he was "disappointed" and the allegation was "absolutely false." He just completed the second season of a seven-year, $12.6 million contract.

USF would not confirm Leavitt's dismissal, but university spokeswoman Lara Wade said all questions would be answered when the school released a report later Friday.

AOL FanHouse first reported the firing Friday. USF president Judy Genshaft and athletic director Doug Woolard launched the investigation last month after a FanHouse report said Leavitt had grabbed sophomore Joel Miller by the throat and hit him in the face twice during halftime of a game against Louisville on Nov. 21.

"I'm very disappointed. The allegations as reported are absolutely false," Leavitt said by telephone. "I'm going to respond in time."

Citing Miller's father, high school coach and five USF players who were not identified, FanHouse initially reported Leavitt grabbed the player by the throat and hit him in the face twice because he was upset about a mistake Miller made on special teams.

Miller's father later backtracked, telling reporters Leavitt did not strike his son but rather grabbed him by the shoulder pads while trying to motivate the sophomore walk-on.

Leavitt was hired in December 1995 and launched USF's program from scratch, operating out of trailers on campus in the early years while guiding the Bulls' swift progression from Division I-AA to BCS conference member.

USF joined the Big East in 2005 and has played in a bowl game every year since joining the league. Leavitt leaves with a record 95-57.