Monte Kiffin, a pioneering figure in football and the mastermind behind the famed "Tampa 2" defense, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84. Kiffin’s passing marks the end of an illustrious career that spanned over five decades, touching both the college and professional levels of American football.
Kiffin's Legacy
Kiffin’s innovative approach to defense has left an indelible mark on the game. He created the "Tampa 2" defense, a variant of Tony Dungy's "Cover 2" scheme, which became the cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive success, culminating in a Super Bowl XXXVII victory. The 2002 Buccaneers defense, under Kiffin's guidance, is lauded as one of the NFL's all-time great units. The unit famously intercepted then-NFL MVP Rich Gannon five times in the Super Bowl, returning three of those interceptions for touchdowns.
A Defense to Remember
The Buccaneers' defense of that era featured future Hall of Famers like Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, and Ronde Barber. Their prowess on the field was a testament to Kiffin's coaching acumen and strategic brilliance. His ability to innovate and adapt made him a revered figure among his peers and players alike.
A Mentor to Many
Monte Kiffin’s influence extended beyond his defensive schemes. He played a pivotal role in mentoring future NFL head coaches. Among those he helped ascend the coaching ranks were current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and Falcons’ first-year head coach Raheem Morris. Tomlin was only 29 years old when Kiffin took him under his wing, offering him his first NFL opportunity as the Buccaneers' defensive backs coach.
"We interviewed 15, 16 guys for the secondary job. Then we heard about a young guy at the University of Cincinnati by the name of Mike Tomlin," Kiffin once recounted. "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."
Roots and Recognition
Monte Kiffin's coaching journey began in 1966 as a graduate assistant at Nebraska. His career trajectory took him through numerous NFL and college teams, with roles primarily focusing on coaching linebackers and serving as defensive coordinator. He also held the head coaching position at NC State from 1980 to 1982, compiling a 16-17 record during his tenure.
Most recently, Kiffin served as a player personnel analyst for the Ole Miss Rebels. His contributions to the game were recognized earlier this year when he was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame through their Awards for Excellence program.
A Family of Coaches
Football coaching ran in the family for Kiffin. His youngest son, Chris Kiffin, currently serves as the linebackers coach for the Houston Texans. The Kiffin legacy continues to shape and influence the game, affirming Monte Kiffin’s enduring impact on football.
A Personal Farewell
In a heartfelt social media statement, his family reflected on Kiffin's passing: "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."
Monte Kiffin’s death is a significant loss for the football community. His strategic innovations and mentoring influence have left a legacy that transcends the boundaries of time. Kiffin will be remembered not just for the "Tampa 2" and his coaching triumphs, but for his role in shaping the careers of many who continue to impact the game today.