Legendary Defensive Mind Passes Away at 90
Monte Kiffin, the former NFL defensive coordinator and father of current Tennessee Titans head coach Lane Kiffin, has passed away at the age of 90. Kiffin was a highly respected defensive mind who spent over 50 years in the NFL, coaching for 10 different teams.
Early Life and Coaching Career
Kiffin was born in Tampa, Florida, in 1932. He played college football at the University of Mississippi before beginning his coaching career in 1955 as an assistant at McNeese State University. After stints at several other colleges, Kiffin joined the NFL in 1976 as the defensive line coach for the Green Bay Packers.
NFL Success
Kiffin quickly established himself as one of the league’s top defensive minds. He served as defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996 to 2008, helping the team to its first Super Bowl victory in 2002. Kiffin also had successful stints as defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, and St. Louis Rams.
Innovation and Legacy
Kiffin was known for his innovative defensive schemes, particularly his use of the Tampa 2 defense, which emphasized pass coverage and pressure. He mentored numerous other successful coaches, including his son Lane and former NFL head coach Bill Parcells.
Kiffin’s impact on the NFL was significant. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
Monte Kiffin will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive minds in NFL history. His contributions to the game will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Kind regards
J. Brown
