After much uncertainty regarding vacant defensive positions at the University of Colorado, head coach Mike MacIntyre finally found his men for the jobs. Thursday morning, roughly 45 minutes before MacIntyre was set to announce it, media outlets began to break the story that former University of South Florida head coach Jim Leavitt would be the new defensive coordinator of the Colorado Buffaloes. In addition to Leavitt, former Central Michigan University defensive coordinator Joe Tumpkin was reported to be the teams new secondary coach.
The immediate reaction on social media was largely positive, due to Leavitt’s success as a head coach at USF and his NFL pedigree, working as the linebackers coach of the San Francisco 49ers for the last 4 years. The 58 year old Texas native played his college ball for the University of Missouri, where he became a graduate assistant after graduating. More recently, he served as the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for Kansas State University, under the tutelage of legendary coach Bill Snyder. In 1997, he was hired by the University of South Florida to be their new head coach, where he remained for 12 years, setting the NCAA record for fastest ascension to the AP top 25 from entry into Division I-A from I-AA.
Leavitt’s name has also been in the mix for positions at major division I coaching programs over the years. During his days at USF, he was frequently in the conversation for vacancies as schools such as the University of Alabama, Miami and Kansas State. While with the Bulls, he amassed a 95-57 record, and recruited and coached NFL caliber-players, such as New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
With the coaching changes in San Francisco this past offseason, Leavitt was let go, along with other members of the 49ers staff. His salary and contract are unknown at this time.
Joe Tumpkin was also hired to replace Andy LaRussa, who left CU to be UNLV’s new secondary coach. His stops have included the University of Pittsburgh and Southern Methodist University, where he served as the linebackers coach. News of Tumpkins’ hiring broke yesterday, providing a teaser for today’s announcement.
MacIntytre unveiled Leavitt as his new DC at the CU football luncheon, which is currently being held in Broomfield, Colorado.
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Andrew Haubner at Andrew.Haubner@colorado.edu.
