Former Minnesota Vikings player and coach Monte Kiffin passed away on Thursday at the age of 84, Ole Miss announced on social media.
Kiffin was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 15th round of the 1964 NFL Draft after a college career at Nebraska. He was known for his time serving as a coach more than his playing time on the field. During his coaching career, Kiffin orchestrated some of the more effective and legendary defenses in the pro or college football game. His coaching career started in 1966 as a Graduate Assistant at Nebraska after his playing career ended the same year.
He would make several stops in both the NFL and NCAA, including coaching the Minnesota Linebackers from 1986-1989 and 1992-1994. He also earned the title of defensive coordinator with the team in 1991.
While his time with Minnesota won’t be the first thing mentioned in any conversation about him, It is one of many stops to play a part in his football life. Kiffin will forever be known for coaching the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that won Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders.
He eventually coached at Tennessee, USC, Florida Atlantic University, and, most recently, Ole Miss with his son Lane Kiffin. He was coaching as a key defensive assistant at the SEC school as recently as 2023 under his son.
Monte Kiffin, 84, peacefully passed away today in Oxford surrounded by family and friends. 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. pic.twitter.com/eM1HT2lGHx
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) July 11, 2024