Jim Leavitt Demands USF Reinstate Him as Head Coach

Jim Leavitt will not go quietly.

He wants his job back, he's demanding that the University of South Florida give him his job back, and he has retained legal counsel.

Leavitt came forth Monday at the offices of attorney Thomas Roebig Jr. in Palm Harbor and addressed his firing for the first time in public.

"I love this football team. I love this area," Leavitt said. "This is not a job, this is my life! It means more to me than anyone could imagine..."

Leavitt's emotions began to show as he spoke to the gathered media.

"I love these players so much. You gotta battle for what you believe in. The allegations are mis-represented. I'm in this for my life. This is the greatest job in the country. I want to coach this football team. I'm gonna battle hard. Why shouldn't I continue to battle? I'm not going to back down!"

Leavitt's lawyer made a number of statements, including the fact that Leavitt "feels secure that the truth is on his side."

Roebig said that Leavitt is seeking "reinstatement" of his position at USF.

Roebig also leveled some charges at the USF administration, among them:

USF denied his client a pre-termination meeting.

He mentioned the post-termination meeting with USF that Leavitt is entitled to that was scheduled for 3 p.m. on Monday, but he has requested a postponement to go over statements in the USF investigation.

Roebig said, "We have advised the university it (Leavitt's termination) is unwarranted and unreasonable."

Leavitt was asked again on Monday if he choked and slapped Joel Miller.

"Absolutely not!" Leavitt responded emphatically.

In the meantime, Miller's family has hired high-profile Tampa attorney Barry Cohen, who is conducting his own investigation of the incident on behalf of Miller and his family.

At USF, the search continues for Leavitt's replacement.

Tommy Tuberville is off the list of possibilities, as he has accepted the job at Texas Tech.