Monte Kiffin, who spent 13 seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996 to 2008, including during their championship season of 2002, will become the 14th member of the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.
Per Scott Smith, the Glazer Family surprised Kiffin with this news on Friday evening during what was already a surprise 80th birthday party for Kiffin in the stadium’s Hall of Fame Club.
Bryan Glazer had a special announcement for Buccaneer great Monte Kiffin at his surprise 80th birthday party tonight. https://t.co/XkxBlm41bK
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) February 22, 2020
Kiffin’s birthday is actually February 29, so he’s a leap year baby!
Here’s what Buccaneers Owner/Co-Chairman Bryan Glazer said of Kiffin:
“Monte Kiffin’s contributions to building and sustaining one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history were crucial to our franchise’s most successful era. Monte worked closely with Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden using his signature defense that became the team’s identity and was a key part of winning the Super Bowl. He was an outstanding coach, teacher and leader who consistently got the best out of his players and we eagerly anticipate welcoming him into our Ring of Honor this upcoming season.”
Congrats, and happy (early) birthday to Kiffin. Also, if he stuffs himself with birthday cake is he considered the full Monte? (Dad Joke 101.)
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