The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are deeply saddened to announce the passing of former defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. Kiffin served as the defensive coordinator for 13 seasons, from 1996 to 2008 and was inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor in 2021. The longest-tenured coach in franchise history, Kiffin played a pivotal role in the Buccaneers' victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII.
Kiffin, a key architect of the renowned 'Tampa 2' defensive scheme, worked under the leadership of head coaches Tony Dungy (1996-2001) and Jon Gruden (2002-08). During his tenure, Kiffin's defensive units were consistently among the best in the NFL, ranking in the top 10 in yards allowed 11 times and in points allowed 12 times. During his stint as defensive coordinator, Tampa Bay's 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).
Buccaneers Owners, the Glazer Family, said: "Monte Kiffin was a beloved and iconic member of the Buccaneers family, and our entire organization mourns his loss today. 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 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's defenses achieved numerous milestones in Buccaneers history. In 1999, led by AP Defensive Player of the Year Warren Sapp, the defense held opponents to a franchise-record low of 228 first downs, propelling the team to the NFC Championship Game. In 2000, the defense set another team record with 55 sacks.
In 2002, Kiffin was honored as the Assistant Coach of the Year by both Football Digest and the Pro Football Writers Association. That year, his defensive unit became the first since the 1985 Chicago Bears to lead the league in points allowed (196), yards allowed per game (252.8), and interceptions (31). The 196 points allowed remain the fewest in a single season in team history and the fifth-fewest in a 16-game season in NFL history.
Under Kiffin's leadership, eight different Buccaneers defensive players made a combined 36 Pro Bowl appearances, with six earning All-Pro team recognition. Notably, Derrick Brooks joined Warren Sapp as an AP Defensive Player of the Year following the 2002 season.
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