Monte Kiffin, the longtime NFL and college assistant coach, who spent more than 50 years coaching in the NFL and collegiate ranks, passed away on Thursday at 84.
Ole Miss football announced the news on their social media handle. Kiffin, whose son Lane is the head coach at Ole Miss, was surrounded by family and friends when passed away.
The school posted this, “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 was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 13 seasons as defensive coordinator. He worked with Tony Dungy to build the vaunted “Tampa 2” scheme that ultimately helped the Bucs to come out and win the Super Bowl in 2002. His strategy was copied by several teams around the league.
Former Bucs safety John Lynch told the team’s website, “That defense that Monte coordinated was the best unit that had ever played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Monte was the coordinator of it. He became part of the fabric of the Tampa community; he was so beloved.”
Three years ago, Kiffin became the Bucs’ Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium. He was the first and only assistant coach to receive this honor.
The owners of the Bucs also responded and called Kiffin a “beloved and iconic member of the Buccaneers family.” They also said, “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.”
Kiffin served as a coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, and Dallas Cowboys while he was associated with the NFL.
His son Lane also posted a photo of himself as a child with his father on X.
Earlier this year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame recognized Kiffin through its Awards for Excellence Program. This award celebrates those who have made a significant impact on the sport.