Monte Kiffin, a veteran coach in the NFL and college football, passes away at the age of 84.
The University of Mississippi announced on Thursday that Monte Kiffin, a seasoned NFL and college coach,
passed away at the age of 84.
The school announced that Kiffin passed away peacefully in Oxford, Mississippi, surrounded
by friends and family. According to a statement on social media, his grandson Knox mentioned that
he is now free of pain and watching over us from above.
The school requested everyone to keep the Kiffin family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kiffin had a long career as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, spending 13 seasons with the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
and also working with the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, and Dallas Cowboys.
He was known for creating the "Tampa 2" defensive scheme,
which played a crucial role in the Buccaneers'
victory in Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders in 2002.
The Glazer family, who own the Buccaneers, described Monte as a cherished and
legendary member of the organization.
Monte, as a coach, was a genuine innovator who brought out the best in his players
and played a key role in establishing one of the standout defenses of the early 2000s,
" stated the Glazer family.
"His leadership style, full of passion and energy, deeply connected with all of his players,
and he played a crucial part in our first Super Bowl victory and the achievements of
Hall of Famers like Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, and Ronde Barber. Beyond the field,
Monte was known for his kindness, authenticity, grace, and unwavering positivity.
"To the Buccaneers organization and our family, he held a very special place.
Our sincere condolences go out to his wife, Robin, sons, Lane and Chris, daughter,
Heidi, and the entire Kiffin family."
Kiffin additionally fulfilled the role of defensive coordinator
under his son Lane's leadership at the University of Tennessee in 2009,
the University of Southern California from 2010-2012,
and later as a defensive analyst at Florida Atlantic University.
Lane has served as the head coach of Ole Miss since 2020, while Monte has been working as
an analyst on the staff.
Lane took on the role of head coach at Ole Miss in 2020,
while Monte has been fulfilling the position of analyst on the staff.