A name we all know and remember…
Monte Kiffin, the legendary defensive coordinator known for creating the famed “Tampa 2” defense, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84. The father of Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, Monte’s storied coaching career began in 1966 as a graduate assistant at Nebraska. His most recent role was as a player personnel analyst for the Ole Miss Rebels.
Rest In Peace, Monte Kiffin 💔 #WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/XMneh32LPt
— Stank Bastard (@StankBastard) July 11, 2024
A statement from the university on social media read, “As his grandson Knox said, he’s free of pain and smiling down on us from above. Please keep the Kiffin family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
Kiffin’s “Tampa 2” defense, a modification of Tony Dungy’s “Cover 2,” was instrumental in leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII. The 2002 Buccaneers’ defense is heralded as one of the best in NFL history. In that Super Bowl against the Raiders, Tampa Bay’s defense intercepted then-NFL MVP Rich Gannon five times, with three returned for touchdowns. This formidable defense included future Hall of Famers Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, and Ronde Barber.
Kiffin not only coached future Hall of Famers but also played a crucial role in the careers of several assistant coaches who would go on to become NFL head coaches. This list includes current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and Falcons’ head coach Raheem Morris. Tomlin was just 29 when Kiffin and his team gave him his first NFL job as the Buccaneers’ defensive backs coach.
Highlights of the 1996 #Buccaneers defense — Monte Kiffin’s first year as the team’s defensive coordinator
For the next decade, his unit was perennially in the Top-10 in the #NFL in points surrendered and yards allowed.
More often than not in the Top-5
RIP Monte🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/wDWlttgs0b
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) July 12, 2024
Reflecting on hiring Tomlin, Kiffin once said, “We interviewed 15, 16 guys for the secondary job. Then we heard about a young guy at the University of Cincinnati named Mike Tomlin. Rick Minter was the head coach. I had worked with him. I said, ‘I heard you have a young coach who is under the radar.’ He said, ‘How did you hear about him?’ I said, ‘I’ve been snooping around.’ So I called Mike, and I said, ‘This is Coach Kiffin from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.’ He didn’t believe it was me. He was outstanding in the interview. I took him out on the field. I call it the ‘it factor.’ Some guys just have it. You can feel it. Mike was 29 at the time.”
Throughout his extensive career, Kiffin worked with numerous NFL and college teams, primarily coaching linebackers and serving as a defensive coordinator. He also served as the head coach at NC State from 1980-1982, where he achieved a 16-17 record.
Earlier this year, Kiffin was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame with their Awards for Excellence, recognizing his significant contributions to the game.
Monte Kiffin was a gem. The love he had for his @FAUFootball players during his three years in Boca was amazing. Players loved him back. De’’Andre Johnson called Monte the “Godfather.” The football world lost an incredible man today!! pic.twitter.com/8wTSyX841s
— Jake Elman (@JakeElman97) July 11, 2024
Monte Kiffin’s legacy extends through his family as well. Besides Lane, his youngest son Chris has followed in his footsteps and is currently the linebackers coach for the Houston Texans.
Major Points:
- Monte Kiffin, renowned for creating the “Tampa 2” defense, passed away at 84.
- His coaching career began in 1966 as a graduate assistant at Nebraska and spanned both NFL and college levels.
- Kiffin’s “Tampa 2” defense helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl XXXVII, featuring future Hall of Famers like Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks.
- He was instrumental in hiring several future NFL head coaches, including Mike Tomlin and Raheem Morris.
- Kiffin was recently honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game; his son Chris continues his coaching legacy with the Houston Texans.
Dion Snooks – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
