One of the great defensive coordinators in NFL history has died. Monte Kiffin was 84.
Kiffin’s death was announced by Ole Miss via information provided by his grandson, Knox.
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
Kiffin spent 13 seasons as defensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Bucs. In those seasons, Tampa Bay allowed the fewest points per game (17.5) while ranking second in both yards allowed per game (286.8) and total takeaways (293).
Overall, Monte Kiffin spent 25 years in the NFL, having also served as a coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys.
His son, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, posted a sweet message about his dad.
My Hero 💜♥️ @NCStateFB @Vikings pic.twitter.com/gHPAbrUQF1
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) July 11, 2024
Other tributes came in via Twitter:
Rest in peace, Monte Kiffin.
Your legacy will live on forever in Tampa Bay. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/6Ac05YuMYd
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) July 11, 2024
Prayers up for Monte Kiffin’s family and friends. The Father of Ole Miss Head Coach Lane Kiffin passed away today at the age of 84. He is one of the Greatest defensive minds we have ever had. In my talks with Lane covering college football, Monte’s greatest title is his Hero. pic.twitter.com/MQ9aZlP9aq
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 11, 2024
Rest Well Coach Monte Kiffin 🕊️🙏🏾 …sending love and light to all family and friends. #RIP #Kiffin #GOAT #Legend #Tampa2 pic.twitter.com/KwZzXHV0CX
— C.L. “SHEP” Shepherd (@Shep71) July 11, 2024
Damn Damn Damn!
Former legendary Bucs defensive coordinator passes away 😞
Very few ran a defense better than Monte Kiffin in his glory days 🏈
Essential part of the 02’ Bucs Super Bowl Team and The Tampa 2 🙏🏼
He will be missed greatly by all of Bucs Nation ❤️… https://t.co/pLDRjcspGn pic.twitter.com/JYfJqWY7QL
— Tampa Tones (@TampaTones) July 11, 2024
49ers GM and former Bucs S John Lynch on the loss of Monte Kiffin, who passed away today. He was 84.
“I love that man and am so indebted to him, Lynch said. “Monte had a unique enthusiasm for life, football and family. He also had a passion for coaching – and helping people…— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) July 11, 2024