The Tampa Bay Buccaneers family lost one of the most legendary figures in franchise history Thursday, as former defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin died at the age of 84.
“Monte Kiffin was a beloved and iconic member of the Buccaneers family, and our entire organization mourns his loss today,” the Glazer family, which owns the Bucs, said in a statement Thursday. “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 Rondé Barber.”
“Off the field, Monte was kind, genuine, gracious and always had a positive attitude,” the statement continued. “He was very special to the Buccaneers organization and our family. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Robin, sons Lane and Chris, daughter, Heidi, and the entire Kiffin family.”
Kiffin was the architect of the famous “Tampa 2” defense, and led one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history in 2002, which propelled the Bucs to their first Super Bowl victory.
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