Defensive Legend Monte Kiffin Passed Away At 84
He was a longtime defensive assistant and coordinator. His impact on football will not soon be forgotten. Sadly, defensive legend Monte Kiffin has passed away at the age of 84. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of being a defensive architect.
Kiffin played a large role in creating the vaunted Tampa 2 defensive scheme. It was a wildly successful scheme that helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win their first Super Bowl in 2002. Kiffin was with the Buccaneers for 13 seasons, coaching some of the best defensive players of that era. He also coached with the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys.
The Glazer family, owners of the Buccaneers, released this statement:
“Monte Kiffin was a beloved and iconic member of the Buccaneers family, and our entire organization mourns his loss today,” said the Glazer Family, owners of the Buccaneers, in a statement. “As a coach, Monte was a true innovator who got the best out of his players and helped create one of the signature defenses of the early 2000s.
His passionate and energetic leadership style resonated with all his players, and he was instrumental in our first Super Bowl win and the success of Hall of Famers such as Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch and Ronde Barber. Off the field, Monte was kind, genuine, gracious and always had a positive attitude. He was very special to the Buccaneers organization and our family. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Robin, sons Lane and Chris, daughter Heidi and the entire Kiffin family.”
Defensive Legend Monte Kiffin Passed Away At 84
Kiffin was also a successful college coach for 26 years, including three (1980-82) as the head coach at North Carolina State, and had a brief playing career in the Canadian Football League. He also worked alongside his son, Lane Kiffin. As the defensive coordinator on Lane’s staff while at the University of Tennessee in 2009 and the University of Southern California from 2010-2012. And then as a defensive analyst at Florida Atlantic University.
He spent his entire adult life working around football at the professional and college levels. His love of the game was evident. Guys like that are practically irreplaceable because they don’t make ’em like Kiffin anymore. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends as he will surely be missed.
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