Monte Kiffin, a legendary defensive coordinator in both the NFL and college football, passed away at the age of 84. He was the mastermind behind the famous “Tampa 2” defense, a variation of Tony Dungy’s “Cover 2” that helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secure a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII. This defense, led by future Hall of Famers Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, and Ronde Barber, is still considered one of the best in NFL history.
Kiffin’s coaching career began in 1966 as a graduate assistant at Nebraska and spanned several decades. He was known for his keen eye for talent and was instrumental in the development of future NFL head coaches like Mike Tomlin and Raheem Morris. Tomlin, who is currently the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, got his start as the defensive backs coach for the Buccaneers under Kiffin’s guidance.
Apart from his success in the NFL, Kiffin also spent time coaching at the college level and even had a stint as the head coach at NC State. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the game of football, which earned him recognition from the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Kiffin’s coaching legacy lives on through his sons, Lane and Chris. Lane, who is the head coach at Ole Miss, followed in his father’s footsteps, while Chris currently coaches linebackers for the Houston Texans. The Kiffin family has left a lasting impact on the football world, and Monte’s innovative defensive strategies will continue to inspire future generations of coaches and players.
As we mourn the loss of Monte Kiffin, let us remember his remarkable career and the profound influence he had on the game of football. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kiffin family during this difficult time.