South Florida rewards Leavitt with two-year contract extension

TAMPA, Fla. -- South Florida coach Jim Leavitt agreed to a two-year contract extension through 2014 on Monday.

Leavitt started the Bulls' program from scratch 11 seasons ago and led the team into the national spotlight in 2007, when USF climbed as high as No. 2 in the nation and finished the most successful season in school history with an appearance in the Sun Bowl.

"What his leadership has accomplished is unmatched in the country with regards to beginning and developing a nationally recognized football program," athletic director Doug Woolard said.

The new contract boosts his salary to $1.5 million next season, up from the $1 million he was scheduled to earn under terms of a seven-year, $7 million contract he signed in 2006.

The Tampa Tribune reported on its website that the new deal will pay Leavitt $12.6 million over the next seven seasons, with his annual salary increasing by $100,000 each year of the contract.

Leavitt, who in the past has turned down opportunities to coach at Alabama and Kansas State, is 79-47 in 11 seasons. The Bulls finished 9-4 last year, when attendance climbed a nation-best 22,948 per game to 53,170.