EUGENE – New Oregon head coach Willie Taggart has reportedly found his first coaching hire. Looking to address the Ducks’ dismal defensive unit, Taggart has hired Colorado defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt, according to reports from Fox Sports among others.
Leavitt turned around a Colorado defensive unit that ranked 120th in the nation in fewest yards per play prior to his arrival. The Buffalo were ranked No. 8 in the nation in the same state this season. He was also a finalist for the Broyles Award this year, honoring the nation’s top assistant coach.
Leavitt has a connection to Willie Taggart. They both are former head coaches at South Florida. Leavitt was hired as the first head coach of the Bulls’ football program and led the team to national prominence within a decade. He was ultimately fired from the job after an incident involving a player. Willie Taggart was hired at USF four seasons later.
No official statement has come from the University of Oregon about the hire. Reports say that Leavitt’s contract will make him the highest paid assistant coach in Pac-12 history.
