Jim Leavitt faces serious charges following altercation with ex-girlfriend

In the United States, Jim Leavitt, the former University of South Florida football coach, was arrested after a physical confrontation with his ex-girlfriend on a Monday night. Police records indicate that the incident occurred around 7 p.m. at the Ibis Walk Apartments in St. Petersburg, Florida. Leavitt, who is 68 years old, faces serious allegations, including a felony count of grand theft for taking more than $5,000 worth of his ex-girlfriend's belongings, including a Louis Vuitton purse and wallet. He is also charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple battery and domestic battery after he allegedly grabbed the woman by her arm during the dispute. Furthermore, he is accused of physically confronting another man who intervened in the argument. Leavitt has a significant background in college football, having been inducted into the USF Athletic Hall of Fame earlier in 2025. He was instrumental in establishing the USF football program, being its first head coach from 1997 until 2010, when he was dismissed for an unrelated incident involving player misconduct. Even after his departure from USF, he continued his coaching career in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and served in various defensive coordinator roles at different colleges, including Colorado, Oregon, Florida Atlantic, and SMU. Following the arrest, Leavitt's attorney, Lucas Fleming, characterized the situation as a misunderstanding, asserting that Leavitt believes he did nothing wrong. Fleming also indicated that they are hopeful for a favorable resolution when they address the State Attorney's Office. The outcome of the legal proceedings could significantly affect Leavitt's reputation and future prospects in football coaching, an arena where he previously held a prominent position. In light of these recent charges, the community and former players are reacting with mixed emotions, as Leavitt had been a well-respected figure in college football before this incident. This incident highlights not only the personal struggles of a once-celebrated coach but also raises questions about accountability in sports and the consequences of personal behavior on professional lives. As the case unfolds, it remains essential to follow developments to understand how these charges will be addressed in the legal system, as well as what implications they may have for the former coach's legacy within the sport.