Feel the holiday spirit: Leavitt on Christmas

You guys adore Jim Leavitt for his unflinching commitment to all things USF football, so you can't be but so surprised when we ask him about his plans for Christmas and he says he really hasn't thought that far ahead. This is after he said it "concerns me a little bit," giving his players four days off for Christmas before resuming bowl preparations. Couldn't get assistant coach Jacob Marley to comment, but here's Leavitt's quotes Tuesday on Christmas. Try not to scorch yourself on the holiday warmth:

"I haven't looked that far ahead. That's probably wrong. That's really the truth, too. That's sad, isn't it. I really haven't. I'm really thinking -- you don't want to hear it -- thinking about practice. I really have not thought about what we're going to do Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. I did think about this: with the players leaving Friday, I thought it'd be a great time, because it's so quiet, Friday and Saturday, getting some work done in the office with film. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, would I come here and do some work? God, I hope not. I hope I don't.

The obligatory follow-up: Have you done any Christmas shopping?

"(Dec.) 24th. Every year. 24th. I get out there and dig in. That's a strong day for me, shopping.  A lot of nephews and nieces, and they all like the gift certificates from the mall. They know what they're going to get. I might do tickets to the game. It won't be anything real creative. I get real confused at the mall. So many things to look at and buy. To try to figure out what goes with what person, that's real tough. People that have the skill to do that are really special. You have to wrap things up, do the bow and the whole thing. A lot of stuff. It makes me nervous getting ready for it."

Of course, he's a little over the top with this, just trying to reinforce the whole "I'm incredibly focused" deal. I guess I'm not sure why, but to understand that, you'd really have to be really special.

Comments

[Mark]

What's CJL talking bout practice? Not the game or the bowl, but practice. Its not like the guys are missing the bowl those four days - its practice - he's talking bout just practice.

[s-maker]

I usually just read and not post, but I have known Leavitt since 1996 and have spent alot of time around him. And TRUST me when I say this, his attitude towards Christmas, and focus towards football is NO exaggeration!! That is exactly who he is!! I laugh cause people think he's "overdoing it" or an act, this is who he is, his entire life is football... football... football. He doesnt know much else, so thats what he focuses on. Its pretty humorous.

[g-man]

Dear Coach Leavitt,

I've been a good boy all year and a good USF fan. All I want for Christmas is a pair of incredibly expensive airline tickets to El Paso and 2-3 nights in a decent hotel close to the game. I'll swing for the game tickets. And if you don't buy them until Dec. 24 - or Dec. 26, for that matter - that's OK with me.

And if that's not possible, I'll settle for a Sun Bowl victory.

GO BULLS!!!!!!!!!!!

[Imper-Cee-Nator]

Leavitt's procrastination in Christmas shopping is bringing this program down.

What kind of D-1 coach waits until December 24th to do his shopping?

No wonder we can't get any five-star athletes in here. Who wants to play for a guy who goes to the mall on Christmas eve?

[Ken]

ABD is not a thing was "has"--in fact, it means that one hasn't finished. Still, I love the guy. Let's win!

[John H]

Remember, he has an ABD in psychology.

[JL]

Rich Rod is Leavitt's biaaaaaatch!

[Ari Hinkelberger]

I am such a loser. Posted a thread on the Wva board confirming that Jim Leavitt has no interest in the Wva job.

I crack myself up.... Oh boy.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=159&f=2508&t=1681008&sto=MS_19249066#s=159&f=2508

[Dave W]

Wow. Who else can picture him glancing all over the room, hands moving all about, just looking incredibly uncomfortable. He's like a character from a thing I saw once (I'm like him. That's as specific as you'll get out of me).

"It makes me nervous" is the highlight quote, but really, the whole thing is priceless.

[SailingBull]

Christmas? What's Christmas? Isn't that just an excuse to eat too much and watch football anyway?

GO BULLS BEAT THE DUCKS!!!

[Matt]

All hail Coach Leavitt - the greatest Cyborg football coach in the universe!

[DELdaBULL]

Intensity is Riveting!

[GregP]

Haha I love the overdoing it. It makes me laugh. It is like he wants us all to believe that his entire life is USF football and ignore that he has a family and a life outside of the game.

I also think he will be watching film or scripting the next practice on Christmas day. He is dedicated.

p.s. There honestly is no sarcasm in that first blurb.

[JL]

I know it should be chauvinistic.....yes, with an I.

However I am not sure if is "chauvinist moment" or "chauvinistic moment".....hmmmmmm

Either way, he's a man's man!

Leavitt counted to infinity.....twice!

[Ari Hinkelberger]

"(Dec.) 24th. Every year. 24th. I get out there and dig in. That's a strong day for me, shopping."

That is really really really really funny.

HA HA..

"Thats a strong day for me, shopping"

HA HA HA

I am sure his wife loves him. They got a fat pad on Davis Island. I am sure its packed with gifts - both material and meaningful

[JL]

Come on! He's a man's man!

He does not need to buy/wrap presents. That is why we gave up a freaking rib! Women are better at doing this. I am sure his wife must be very lovely and more than willing to take care of those things.

This chauvanistic moment, brought to you by a single guy...