TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced former defensive coordinator and Ring of Honor member Monte Kiffin, has died. He was 84.
Kiffin was defensive coordinator for the team from 1996 to 2008, was the longest-tenured coach in the team’s history and served as defensive coordinator during the Bucs victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.
Inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor in 2021, Kiffin created the “Tampa 2” defense, helping the Bucs rank among the best defenses in the NFL throughout his tenure. Under Kiffin, the Bucs ranked in the top 10 in yards allowed 11 times and in points allowed 12 times.
Also during that time, the Tampa Bay defense led the league in points allowed per game (17.5), ranked second in takeaways (293) and yards allowed per game (286.8), third in interceptions (249), and 10th in total sacks (503).
“Monte Kiffin was a beloved and iconic member of the Buccaneers family, and our entire organization mourns his loss today,” the Glazer family said in a statement. “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 "Florida Man" Lynch and Ronde Barber. Off the field, Monte was kind, genuine, gracious and always had a positive attitude. He was very special to the Buccaneers organization and our family. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Robin, son, Lane, daughter, Heidi, and the entire Kiffin family.”
