Monte Kiffin, longtime NFL defensive coordinator and key architect of ‘Tampa 2’ scheme, dies at 84

Monte Kiffin, longtime NFL defensive coordinator and key architect of the “Tampa 2” scheme, died Thursday at the age of 84, the University of Mississippi announced.

“Monte Kiffin, 84, peacefully passed away today in Oxford surrounded by family and friends,” the school announced on social media. ” 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.”

Kiffin spent 13 of his 16 NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as defensive coordinator on Tony Dungy’s staff. Kiffin and Dungy built the vaunted “Tampa 2” defense which was instrumental in the Buccaneers dominant win in Super Bowl XXXVII.

“Monte Kiffin was a beloved and iconic member of the Buccaneers family, and our entire organization mourns his loss today.” the Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said in a statement posted on social media. “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 Lynch and Rondé 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.”

Kiffin’s son, Lane, who spent time as a head coach in the NFL with the Raiders, is currently the head coach at Ole Miss.

Around The NFL will have more on this news soon.