Despite ongoing investigation, Jim Leavitt says he plans to remain USF Bulls coach

TORONTO — In the wake of USF's 27-3 victory Saturday against Northern Illinois in the International Bowl, the looming question is whether coach Jim Leavitt's job is in danger.

The university is investigating allegations that Leavitt grabbed walk-on running back Joel Miller by the throat and struck him twice in the face during halftime of a game in November — allegations that Leavitt has strongly denied, and that the alleged victim and his father have said were exaggerated. Still, various coaching-rumor sites were speculating Saturday that Leavitt might be fired or negotiate a buyout.

Leavitt, reached at the Toronto airport before his flight to Tampa, vehemently denied any negotiations, saying he has no plans of leaving and hasn't been given any indication a change is being made.

"There's no truth to that. None. Zero," Leavitt said. "It's absolutely not true. I plan on being at the University of South Florida for many, many years."

The two people who will ultimately decide Leavitt's fate, athletic director Doug Woolard and USF president Judy Genshaft, were celebrating the Bulls' victory Saturday. Leavitt said Genshaft was dancing with him and his players after the victory.

Players showed their support for Leavitt on Saturday, both during the game and after.

"It was nothing but motivation. He grabbed him by the shoulder pads," junior linebacker Sabbath Joseph said. "This game, it's passion. You've got to have great passion. Coach Leavitt's a high-energy guy, and we like that. We feed off that. … Coach Leavitt's a great guy, and we love what he's doing at South Florida. We have his back 100 percent."