Monte Kiffin, legendary football coach and defensive mastermind, passed away at the age of 84. University of Mississippi confirmed the news, noting he died peacefully in Oxford, surrounded by family. Known for his innovative “Tampa 2” defensive scheme with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he led them to a Super Bowl win in 2002.
Kiffin’s coaching career spanned over five decades across college football and the NFL. He served as defensive coordinator for teams like the Vikings, Saints, and Cowboys. In college, he was the head coach of NC State and a coordinator for Nebraska, Arkansas, and later, joined his son Lane Kiffin at Tennessee and USC.
The Buccaneers fondly remembered Kiffin, celebrating his impact on the team’s iconic defense. At Ole Miss, his legacy continues as his last role was as a player personnel analyst. Lane Kiffin honored his father with heartfelt tributes, calling him his hero.
