Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) — University of South Florida head football coach Jeff Scott was fired in his third season with the team, USF Athletics announced Sunday.
Scott will be replaced by special teams coordinator Daniele Da Prato, who will serve as interim head coach for the rest of the season. Defensive coordinator and safari coach Bob Shoup was also fired, with co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Ernie Sims taking over the leadership of the Bulls’ defense.
The announcement came just a day after the Bulls lost to Temple University by 26 points – the team’s seventh consecutive defeat.
“When Jeff came to Tampa in December of 2019, we had high hopes for where he could take our football program,” Michael Kelly, vice president and director of athletics, said in a statement. “While he did many things right, including rebuilding our culture, advancing our indoor performance facility, and engaging our community, the on-the-field results fell well below our standards. He was a tremendous person and a man of class. And we wish them, Sarah, Savannah and Hunter all the very best in the future.”
Scott joined the team in 2019 after a stint as Clemson University’s offensive coordinator, becoming one of the youngest coaches in the history of the American Athletic Conference. The Arcadia native struggled to find his footing as head ball coach, giving the team a 4-26 win-loss record.
USF President Rhea Law said in a statement, “Unfortunately, the results of our football team have not lived up to our expectations and those of our fans. We are fully committed to finding a new coach who can rebuild the program and To consistently build a winning team on the field.”
Athletics vice president and director Michael Kelly said he would soon share details from the search for a new head coach.
“I will miss this team and will do anything in my power to help them in the future,” Jeff Scott said in a statement. “I am disappointed that our hard work did not translate into greater success on the field, but I believe we have laid a new foundation. I know the future of USF football is bright and my family and I will always remember our time at USF. as a very special chapter in our lives.”
Da Prato will debut as interim head coach on Saturday when the Bulls return to face Southern Methodist University at Raymond James Stadium.
