Reports: Leavitt to be Oregon defensive coordinator

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Colorado defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt is joining new head coach Willie Taggart’s staff at Oregon, according to reports.

FoxSports.com first reported Wednesday that Leavitt, a former head coach at South Florida like Taggart, would be the Ducks’ defensive coordinator. Oregon would not confirm the report, which cited anonymous sources.

But Leavitt posted to Twitter Wednesday evening: “I love CU, players, Boulder and all alum! Been great to me! Couldn’t pass up opportunity for family! South Champs! Been a great ride!!”

Leavitt has spent the past two seasons with the Buffaloes after four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers under coach Jim Harbaugh. Leavitt was the first head coach at South Florida, from 1997-2009.

Taggart, who spent the past four seasons at South Florida, was hired last week to take over the Ducks following a disappointing 4-8 season and the dismissal of coach Mark Helfrich.