Social media reacts to death of legendary defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, pioneer of 'Tampa 2' defense
Monte Kiffin died on Thursday, the Ole Miss football program announced.
Monte Kiffin ― the father of Rebels' football coach Lane Kiffin ― was a longtime college and NFL coach. Kiffin, 84 when he died, began coaching at his alma mater, Nebraska, in 1966. Known as one of the better defensive minds in football, Monte Kiffin pioneered the "Tampa 2" defense to garner fame. He worked for seven universities and seven NFL organizations during his career.
REQUIRED READING: Monte Kiffin, distinguished defensive coach and father of Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin, dies at 84
The elder Kiffin served as the defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won the Super Bowl in XXXVII. The Bucs allowed just 12.3 points per game, which was best in the NFL. Monte Kiffin was inducted into the Tampa Bay Ring of Honor in 2021.
He joined Lane's staff at Tennessee and then worked at USC, FAU, and Ole Miss as an analyst on his son's teams.
Here are social media reactions to the death of Monte Kiffin on Thursday:
Social media reacts to death of Monte Kiffin
My Hero 💜♥️ @NCStateFB @Vikings pic.twitter.com/gHPAbrUQF1
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) July 11, 2024
Monte Kiffin, 84, peacefully passed away today in Oxford surrounded by family and friends. 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. pic.twitter.com/eM1HT2lGHx— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) July 11, 2024
Monte Kiffin was a helluva coach and a character of the game. So much success with the Tampa 2 defense. He was so animated, with that high pitched voice, arms flailing, tuffs of grey hair flying. Provided so much energy and wisdom for one of the best defenses in NFL history. https://t.co/OJFzh9xn5v
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) July 11, 2024
Rest in peace, Monte Kiffin. Your legacy will live on forever in Tampa Bay. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/hxfsNwMRYO
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) July 11, 2024
Very few can claim to be a trendsetter the way Monte Kiffin can. His players absolutely loved playing for him and he was frustrating as hell for everyone else to go against. https://t.co/HKEcb0e2Iq
— Honest NFL (@TheHonestNFL) July 11, 2024
Damn Damn Damn!
Former legendary Bucs defensive coordinator passes away 😞
Very few ran a defense better than Monte Kiffin in his glory days 🏈
Essential part of the 02’ Bucs Super Bowl Team and The Tampa 2 🙏🏼
He will be missed greatly by all of Bucs Nation ❤️… https://t.co/pLDRjcspGn pic.twitter.com/JYfJqWY7QL— Tampa Tones (@TampaTones) July 11, 2024
Prayers up for Monte Kiffin’s family and friends. The Father of Ole Miss Head Coach Lane Kiffin passed away today at the age of 84. He is one of the Greatest defensive minds we have ever had. In my talks with Lane covering college football, Monte’s greatest title is his Hero. pic.twitter.com/MQ9aZlP9aq
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 11, 2024
I got to speak to Monte Kiffin once or twice when he was at FAU with Lane. He made everyone feel like they were his friend of 1000 years. An absolute football gem, brilliant, kind, beyond respected. Prayers to the Kiffin family.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 11, 2024
Monte Kiffin was a gem. The love he had for his @FAUFootball players during his three years in Boca was amazing. Players loved him back. De’’Andre Johnson called Monte the “Godfather.” The football world lost an incredible man today!! pic.twitter.com/8wTSyX841s
— Jake Elman (@JakeElman97) July 11, 2024
Anyone that knows Monte Kiffin, knows that he liked to bust out his James Brown dance moves once a year. It was always a big hit. RIP Pops. pic.twitter.com/AJb0oRpWUL
— Matt Lindsey (@MattLindseyA1) July 11, 2024
Saddened today to hear the loss of legendary Coach Monte Kiffin. So privileged to know him and other great men and coaches! pic.twitter.com/8nXKF9dZen
— Dr. Richard Staller (@Dr_Staller) July 11, 2024
49ers GM and former Bucs S John Lynch on the loss of Monte Kiffin, who passed away today. He was 84.
“I love that man and am so indebted to him, Lynch said. “Monte had a unique enthusiasm for life, football and family. He also had a passion for coaching - and helping people…— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) July 11, 2024
Monte Kiffin is on the Mount Rushmore of defense.
Rest easy, 🐐— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) July 11, 2024
Monte Kiffin was one of the greatest defensive coaches of all time. He oversaw the Buccaneers defense during the late 90s and 2000s. Rest in paradise to a legend. https://t.co/DyQu18bdJQ
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) July 11, 2024
Rest Well Coach Monte Kiffin 🕊️🙏🏾 …sending love and light to all family and friends. #RIP #Kiffin #GOAT #Legend #Tampa2 pic.twitter.com/KwZzXHV0CX
— C.L. “SHEP” Shepherd (@Shep71) July 11, 2024
The Buccaneers said in a statement, in part:
"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)."
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Social media reacts to death of legendary defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin
