Earlier this month, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin lost his father, Monte Kiffin. Ever since, Lane has found ways to honor his father in various ways.
On Thursday, Kiffin shared a photo of his fingers with a Super Bowl ring. It was his father’s, who helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl XXXVII as the team’s defensive coordinator. Monte’s Buccaneers defense was ranked first in defense that season, allowing only 12.3 points per game.
Kiffin had a two-word tribute for his father on his Instagram story, saying:
“Hi pops @buccaneers.”
Monte Kiffin served as the Buccaneers’ defensive coordinator from 1996 to 2008. He was the architect of the legendary “Tampa 2” defense, which led the NFL in total defense in multiple seasons. It was pivotal in delivering Tampa Bay its first Super Bowl championship in 2003 by defeating the Oakland Raiders in a dominant fashion (48-21).
The Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-winning season under Monte’s defense, led the league in interceptions (31) and yards allowed per game (252.8). The stellar defense even drew comparison to the famed 1985 Chicago Bears.
Monte’s defense produced 36 Pro Bowl selections among eight different players, including Hall of Famers Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch and Rondé Barber. Six of them also received All-Pro recognition during their tenure.
Lane Kiffin talks about father Monte Kiffin at Media Days
Days after losing his father Monte Kiffin at the age of 84, Lane Kiffin appeared for the SEC Media Days in Dallas. He used the platform to honor his father, who spent his final few years working with Ole Miss as an analyst.
“There’s very few superheroes and very few great ones that loved everyone and tried to help everyone they came in touch with forever,” Kiffin said of his father Monte. “Whether you were big or small, wherever you were, he tried to help.”
“I’m really grateful and thankful to so many people that have supported us during this challenging week all over the country, especially the Oxford and Ole Miss community,” Kiffin added. “It’s been an amazing outpouring of support of stories from former players, former coaches and especially from former staff.”
Four years ago, Monte Kiffin became the first assistant coach inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor. Last year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame honored him with an Award of Excellence.
Apart from leading the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win, Monte has had a rich history of coaching. This included roles of linebacker coaching or defensive coordinator roles with the Packers, Bills, Vikings, Jets, Saints, Cowboys and others. He later joined his son Lane at college programs like Tennessee, USC, Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss.
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