CNN

Longtime NFL and college coach Monte Kiffin dies at 84

Jul 12, 2024, 2:03 PM

Longtime NFL and college coach Monte Kiffin has died at the age of 84, the University of Mississipp...

Longtime NFL and college coach Monte Kiffin has died at the age of 84, the University of Mississippi announced. (Steve Nesius/AP via CNN Newsource)

(Steve Nesius/AP via CNN Newsource)

(CNN) — Longtime NFL and college coach Monte Kiffin has died at the age of 84, the University of Mississippi announced on Thursday.

Kiffin passed away peacefully in Oxford, Mississippi, surrounded by friends and family, the school said.

“As his grandson Knox said, he’s free of pain and smiling down on us from above,” the school said in a statement on social media. “Please keep the Kiffin family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”

Kiffin was a longtime defensive coordinator in the NFL, spending 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys.

He was also noted as the mastermind behind the “Tampa 2” defensive scheme which helped lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory over the Oakland Raiders in 2002.

The Buccaneers-owning Glazer family said Monte was a “beloved and iconic member” of the organization.

“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,” the Glazer family said in a statement.

“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 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, sons, Lane and Chris, daughter, Heidi, and the entire Kiffin family.”

Kiffin also served as the defensive coordinator on his son Lane’s staff while at the University of Tennessee in 2009, the University of Southern California from 2010-2012 and then as a defensive analyst at Florida Atlantic University.

Lane has been the head coach of Ole Miss since 2020 where Monte has been an analyst on the staff.

Earlier on Thursday, Lane posted photos of him and his father on X, formerly known as Twitter, with the caption, “My hero.”

KSL 5 TV Live

CNN

Photo shows wreckage of Alaska plane crash....

Karina Tsui, CNN

All 10 victims of the fatal Alaska plane crash have been recovered, officials say

All 10 victims of the fatal Alaska plane crash off the coast of western Alaska have been recovered, authorities said Saturday.

17 hours ago

Palestinians walk in the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, Ga...

Lucas Lilieholm, Michael Schwartz and Helen Regan, CNN

Israel backs Trump plan and orders military to prepare for Palestinians to leave Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has backed US President Donald Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza.

3 days ago

US Navy recovery teams lift the back wing section of American Airlines Flight 5342 from the Potomac...

Andy Rose, CNN

Latest radar evidence suggests Black Hawk in DC disaster was flying too high, but NTSB wants more proof

Newly released data from ground-based radar came out Tuesday suggesting an Army helicopter was flying higher than it was supposed to be when it collided with American Airlines Flight 5342 a week ago, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.

4 days ago

FILE - U.S. Postal Service trucks park outside a post office in Wheeling, Ill., Monday, Jan. 29, 20...

Eric Cheung and Ramishah Maruf, CNN

US Postal Service suspends incoming parcels from China and Hong Kong

The US Postal Service says it has temporarily suspended the acceptance of incoming international parcels from China and Hong Kong until further notice.

5 days ago

Fans booing as the US national anthem is sung before the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings pl...

Ben Church, CNN

Toronto Raptors fans continue trend of booing US national anthem after Trump imposes tariffs on Canada

Supporters at an NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers continued the trend of Canadian sports fans booing the US national anthem on Sunday, a day after Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canada.

6 days ago

First responders work the scene after a plane crash in Philadelphia, on Friday. (Matt Rourke/AP via...

CNN

7 dead, including 1 on ground, after a medevac jet with a child patient and her mother crashes in Philadelphia, mayor says

Seven people are dead after a medevac jet carrying a child patient and her mother crashed in a neighborhood in Philadelphia Friday night.

7 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Longtime NFL and college coach Monte Kiffin dies at 84