Leavitt’s offer turned down

Illinois co-defensive coordinator Dan Disch turned down the defensive coordinator position at the University of South Florida on Wednesday, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Nebraska linebackers coach Mike Ekeler and former Cincinnati defensive coordinator Joe Tresey also interviewed with USF coach Jim Leavitt for the position.

“Dan was offered the job, but he is staying,” Illinois spokeswoman Cassie Arner told the Sun-Times. “When somebody offers you a coordinator position, you have to listen. But this shows how loyal Dan is to the program. He loves his players here, and his family really likes living here.”

Disch didn’t return phone calls Wednesday.

With spring football less than two weeks away, Leavitt hasn’t filled either the defensive backs or defensive coordinator positions. Former defensive backs coach Troy Douglas left to take the same position at North Carolina last week, while former defensive coordinator Wally Burnham left to take on the same role at Iowa State less than two weeks ago.