What Is 2013 South Florida Bulls football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 South Florida Bulls football team does not exist; South Florida's NCAA Division I team is the South Florida Bulls. In 2013, the University of South Florida Bulls football team finished with a 4–8 record under head coach Skip Holtz.

Key Facts

The 2013 South Florida Bulls football team had a 4–8 overall record
They played in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) during the 2013 season
Head coach Skip Holtz was dismissed after the 2013 season
The team scored 266 total points, averaging 22.2 points per game
Their home stadium was Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida

Overview

The 2013 South Florida Bulls football team represented the University of South Florida (USF) in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) during the 2013 season. Competing as a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), the team struggled to find consistency under head coach Skip Holtz.

Despite high expectations following a strong 2012 campaign, the 2013 season was marked by offensive inefficiency and defensive lapses. The team ultimately finished with a 4–8 overall record and a 2–6 mark in conference play, failing to qualify for a bowl game.

Record: The Bulls finished the 2013 season with a 4–8 overall record and 2–6 in AAC play, a significant drop from their 3–9 record in 2012.
Head Coach: Skip Holtz was in his fourth season as head coach but was dismissed after the 2013 season due to underperformance and lack of player development.
Stadium: The team played home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, which has a capacity of over 65,000 and is also home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Offensive Output: USF scored 266 total points during the season, averaging 22.2 points per game, ranking 87th nationally in scoring offense.
Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed 33.3 points per game, one of the worst in the FBS, contributing heavily to the team's losing record.

How It Works

The 2013 South Florida Bulls football season operated within the structure of NCAA Division I FBS rules, including eligibility, scheduling, and conference alignment. The team followed a standard 12-game regular season schedule, with eight conference games and four non-conference matchups.

Season Structure: The 2013 FBS season included a 12-game regular season, with teams eligible for conference championships and bowl games based on win totals and rankings.
Conference Affiliation: The American Athletic Conference (AAC) was formed in 2013 after the breakup of the Big East, placing USF in a competitive but transitional league.
Recruiting Cycle: The 2013 class included 23 signees, with most being 3-star prospects, reflecting ongoing challenges in talent acquisition under Holtz.
Coaching Staff: Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch and defensive coordinator Chris Cosh led units that failed to adapt to the speed of AAC competition.
Player Eligibility: NCAA rules allowed redshirts, medical hardships, and five years to play four seasons, impacting roster management throughout the year.
Bowl Eligibility: Teams needed at least six wins to qualify for a bowl game; USF’s 4–8 record made them ineligible for postseason play.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 South Florida Bulls with other AAC teams in key performance metrics:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points For	Points Against
South Florida	4–8	2–6	266	399
UCF	12–1	8–0	439	291
Cincinnati	9–4	6–2	358	286
Houston	5–7	3–5	302	382
Memphis	8–5	5–3	385	350

This table highlights how USF underperformed compared to peers, especially in scoring defense and conference success. While UCF won the AAC and reached a BCS bowl, USF struggled to compete, finishing near the bottom of the conference standings.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a turning point for South Florida football, signaling the end of the Skip Holtz era and prompting major program changes. The poor performance led to a coaching search that resulted in the hiring of Willie Taggart, who revitalized the program in subsequent years.

Coaching Change: Skip Holtz was fired after the 2013 season, ending a 21–29 tenure that failed to meet rising expectations.
Program Rebuilding: Willie Taggart was hired in 2014, leading to improved recruiting and a more dynamic offensive scheme.
Conference Realignment: The AAC's formation in 2013 created new rivalries and scheduling challenges for USF.
Recruiting Impact: The losing season made it harder to attract top Florida talent, requiring a rebranding effort.
Stadium Usage: Playing at Raymond James Stadium offered visibility but also high operational costs and scheduling conflicts.
Fan Engagement: Attendance declined in 2013, prompting marketing initiatives to re-engage the Tampa community.

The 2013 season remains a cautionary chapter in USF football history, underscoring the importance of coaching stability, player development, and conference competitiveness in college football.