Charges Against Former USF Soccer Coach Jim Leavitt
Former University of South Florida soccer coach Jim Leavitt has been arrested in Florida, facing multiple charges, including theft and battery, stemming from an altercation with his ex-girlfriend, as described in police records.
At 68 years old, Leavitt is charged with felony theft and two misdemeanor counts of simple battery and household battery, following an incident on a Monday night where conflict reportedly arose with his ex-partner.
According to an arrest report from the St. Petersburg Police, Leavitt allegedly grabbed the woman’s arm as she attempted to leave. Furthermore, he is accused of stealing items from her valued at over $5,000, which includes a Louis Vuitton wallet and clutch.
Additionally, he is alleged to have shoved another individual during the disagreement. Leavitt was released the following day, as per online jail records from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
This year, Leavitt was inducted into the USF Athletic Hall of Fame. He was the first coach for the soccer program when it started in 1997 and holds a notable 95-57 record after 13 seasons—still the most successful in the program’s history.
Leavitt made a significant mark on college football, leading USF to a national ranking in 2007, with five consecutive bowl appearances from 2005 to 2009, of which three were victories. However, he was fired in 2010 after it was discovered he had hit a player during halftime of a game the year prior.
Afterward, he had a short but successful stint in the NFL as a linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, helping the team reach the NFC Championship and the Super Bowl.
Later, he returned to college football, coaching at various institutions, and most recently, he served as a defensive coordinator at SMU in 2021.
Leavitt’s attorney, Lucas Fleming, stated that the situation stemmed from a “misunderstanding” and expressed confidence that the matter would resolve favorably for Leavitt in future discussions with the State Attorney’s Office.
