Por (joecole) on January 14, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Clearly, Woolard and Judy knew who they wanted and wasted no time getting him.  Holtz will bring youth and respect, plus think of the positive press USF will get everytime daddy Lou speaks on ESPN.  Smart move, Judy.  Congrats on a savvy manuever.  GO BULLS!  Now I will renew my season tickets.

Por (jne7043) on January 14, 2010 (Suggest removal)

ECU’s AD says a deal has not been reached and Holtz has not been offered the job. http://www.ecupirates.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011410aaa.html

Por (rashad) on January 14, 2010 (Suggest removal)

holtz has been hired. press conference friday morning

Por (High Tech Bull) on January 14, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Scott,
You will have to update your Bio to this:

Scott Carter covers the University of South Florida for The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. Prior to covering the Bulls and Coach Skip Holtz, Carter spent three years in Tallahassee filling his notebook full of Bobby Bowden quotes while covering Florida State. During his career at the Tribune, Carter has also covered the Rays, Lightning, horse racing and prep sports.

Por (Dan Alatorre) on January 14, 2010 (Suggest removal)

This is a very good choice. I think we will see improvements with the media and no midseason dropoff. I also think that Skip Holtz knows what it takes to build a championship team, and at the end of the day, that’s what we all want.

When Grothe went down, Daniels had to step in and not miss a beat.

Now that Leavitt is gone, I think most fans feel that Holtz can step in and not miss a beat, and in fact most fans expect he will take us to a new level.

Welcome, Coach Holtz! Just win, baby.

GO BULLS!

Por (Dan Alatorre) on January 14, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Check this out from the ECU fans

“Hey Bulls Fans,
Enjoy your Skip Holtz drinking game. When Skip says the word “turn,” take a drink. Prior to his press conference down there, pick up a few cases of beer and line up a designated driver. Enjoy.”

“Turn”, eh?

Guess we’ll have to watch the press conference tomorrow and find out.

Por (Scott Carter) on January 14, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Ha! You make a good point there HighTechBull…once this day settles down, I’ll try and do that.

Hopefully Holtz is a quote machine too…he seemed a real approachable and friendly type in Orlando on Tuesday.

Por (Don G) on January 16, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Scott, your job as a USF beat reporter just got much easier, my friend.  Seems that Holtz is an engaging and easily approachable coach. That should make your job easier, and I’d think more enjoyable for you.  Holtz should provide more print than “they’re a well-coached team - this will be a tough game for us” crap that Leavitt said each and every game.  Nice to have someone that is actually articulate while appearing to be a decent guy to boot. I’m excited about USF football again and will probably return as a season ticket holder.

Por (Scott Carter) on January 18, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Don, Holtz does seem an engaging personality and top-notch person to deal with from a media and fan standpoint. Looks like his dad taught him well in those areas. I will say this: I spent two days at the AFCA annual convention in Orlando last week—basically a huge gossip-fest for coaches—and didn’t hear a bad word about Holtz. He seems to be well-liked by his colleagues, which says a lot. I’m sure he has some critics—South Carolina fans come to mind—but his track record says he does it right on and off the field.

Por (Dan Alatorre) on January 18, 2010 (Suggest removal)

what did the gossip feat say about Leavitt, either now or in prior years?

Por (Scott Carter) on January 18, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Dan, most of the talk I heard about Leavitt was just shock at the entire incident and how it has played out. There doesn’t seem to be much middle ground with Leavitt: people either really like him or really don’t.

I’ve noticed that in comments here and on other fan message boards. People respect him for his passion and building of the USF program, but seems there are plenty who felt it was time for him to move on well before this incident. Thanks for checking in.