Jim Leavitt
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Full Name and Common Aliases

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James Franklin Leavitt was born on May 6, 1948, and is commonly known as Jim Leavitt.

Birth and Death Dates

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Born: May 6, 1948
Died: (still living)

Nationality and Profession(s)

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American
Football Coach

Early Life and Background

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Jim Leavitt was born in Tampa, Florida, to a family with strong ties to the University of Notre Dame. His father was an alumnus, and this connection would later influence Leavitt's own academic and professional pursuits.

Leavitt grew up with a passion for football, which was fostered by his parents' encouragement. He attended Hillsborough High School in Tampa, where he played football under the guidance of coach Bill Lucas. Leavitt's early experiences on the field helped shape his future as a coach.

After graduating from high school, Leavitt went on to attend Notre Dame, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1970. He then pursued a Master's degree in Business Administration at Notre Dame, which he completed in 1972.

Major Accomplishments

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Leavitt began his coaching career at the collegiate level as an assistant coach at Kansas University in 1971. He later moved to the University of Utah in 1985 and served as the team's defensive coordinator for six seasons.

In 2001, Leavitt became the head football coach at South Florida University (now known as the University of South Florida). Under his leadership, the Bulls achieved significant success, including a Conference USA championship in 2002. However, Leavitt's tenure was cut short in 2009 due to allegations of player mistreatment.

Notable Works or Actions

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Leavitt has been involved in various initiatives throughout his career. He was one of the first coaches to implement a more aggressive and physical approach to football. This style, often referred to as "tackle-forcing," emphasized teaching players how to effectively tackle opponents while minimizing injuries.

Impact and Legacy

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Despite his tumultuous exit from South Florida University, Leavitt's coaching career has had a lasting impact on the sport of college football. His innovative approach to tackling and player development helped shape the way coaches and teams prepare for games.

Leavitt's legacy extends beyond the gridiron as well. He has been an advocate for players' rights and welfare, often speaking out against abusive practices in sports.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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Jim Leavitt is widely quoted and remembered due to his unorthodox approach to football coaching and his commitment to player development. His emphasis on tackling and physical play has influenced numerous coaches and teams across the country.

However, it's essential to acknowledge that Leavitt's legacy is also marred by controversy surrounding allegations of mistreating players during his time at South Florida University. This darker aspect of his career serves as a reminder that even accomplished individuals can make mistakes with far-reaching consequences.

Despite these complexities, Jim Leavitt remains an important figure in the world of college football, and his quotes continue to resonate with coaches, players, and fans alike.