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If Bulls swoon continues, is it time to make a change?


Last Update: 10/28 8:04 am
USF Head Football Coach Jim Leavitt (J. Meric, Getty Sports Image)
USF Head Football Coach Jim Leavitt (J. Meric, Getty Sports Image)
By: Tom Korun
WFTS-TV


Unless you've witnessed the infancy stages of USF's football program, you can't begin to know how difficult it is to even ponder this thought.

Is it time for a change?

I've seen the transformation from a makeshift lot on campus with one trailer.

Head Coach Jim Leavitt has put everything he has, and more, into this program.

But now, the whispers....

Is it time for change?  Would another coach be able to take this team over the hump?

I'm sure there is a coach out there that can pull it off.  But I doubt that coach would entertain an offer from USF.

You have no idea what Leavitt has gone through to get his program to where it is today.

Looking back, its almost a miracle. 

For the third year running, USF has propelled itself into the Top 25, at one point #2 in the country, only to drop like an apple off a tree.

So close to unprecedented success.  Yet so far.

Whispers say the program is stuck in neutral.  Neutral is not good enough.

If USF decides to make a change, beware.  You better be darn sure your going to get a fairly high profile coach that can recruit like no other.  You better be darn sure that coach will bring quality assistant coaches with him.

Most of all, you better be ready to open your wallet, because its going to cost you plenty of dinero's.

That's where, I believe, this discussion ends.  USF doesn't have the money or the boosters to pony up. 

Not to say that Jim Leavitt stays because of default.  I believe a conversation needs to take place.

However, I say think about what you wish for.  If USF decides to pull the trigger at season's end, make sure it doesn't shoot itself in the foot.

Stuck in neutral is one thing.  Flipping the stick into reverse would be devastating.



The Talent

John Lindsay - Scripps Howard News Service, Washington

John Lindsay is sports editor for Scripps Howard News Service in Washington, D.C. Writing sports since 1985, John Lindsay has covered NFL, MLB, college football and basketball and major golf events for several newspapers in his career and has been a Heisman Trophy voter since 1996.

Tom Korun - WFTS, Tampa

As we will move forward in our blogging relationship, you and I will likely agree to disagree. You'll learn I mean what I say, and say what I mean. If you don't bring passion, don't waste my time and yours!

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Brian Nutt - KJRH, Tulsa

Living in Tulsa means Golden Hurricanes, Sooners, or Cowboys, but not for this guy. Woo Pig Sooie Razorbacks! Nothing like a fall evening in Razorback Stadium calling the Hogs.

Aaron Heintzelman - KSHB, Kansas City

Aaron hopes to use his limited football expertise to fuel many fantasy victories this year, but a quick look at his roster proves he has some work to do. Aaron's true allegiances lie with the Eagles, but you'll also catch him tuning into Chiefs, Steelers and Dolphins games.

Tom Leyden – WXYZ, Detroit

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Ian Preuth - WCPO, Cincinnati

I've lived in Cincinnati my whole life so I've seen many bad teams and a few good ones. Most of the time the good teams get screwed because Cincinnati is cursed. I can watch any sport, enjoy competition no matter what it is and appreciate a good debate.

Larry Carney - WMAR, Baltimore

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Craig Fouhy - KNXV, Phoenix

He's played the game, he's been a coach, and now he's spouting off about it! It's not just about highlights in Phoenix...out here it's a little bit of highlights and a lot of..."Fouhy on Sports!"

Cory Williams - KNXV, Phoenix

Representing the west coast! Cory has spent the last 15 years covering the desert dwelling teams of Arizona. When you’re tired of all the east coast bias (and there's plenty of it here!)...Laugh it off and look west!

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Even though Chip's Cincinnati office has a view of the Bengals' stadium, his heart and mouth are native Texan. His first NFL memory: Super Bowl VI (Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3). Each Saturday in autumn, he prays for a resurrection of the Southwest Conference.

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