The football world is mourning the passing of a former NFL coach this Friday.

Monte Kiffin, who served as an assistant at both college and NFL, also the father of Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin passed away at the age of 84.

Ole Miss announced on Thursday evening that the father of their coach and former player personnel analyst died peacefully in Oxford, Mississippi.

“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,” the school said.

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

Former College And NFL Coach Monte Kiffin Was A Defensive Genius

Kiffin coached for nearly 60 years, winning titles at both college and pro level. He won consecutive national championships as a defensive coordinator at Nebraska in 1970 and 1971. He also masterminded the defense that helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win a Super Bowl in 2002.

Kiffin was a head coach for three years, taking over at NC State in 1986. His record is 16-17, and he never made it to a bowl game.

In 58 years, the former college and NFL coach spent time with Nebraska, Arkansas, NC State, the Green Bay Packers, the Buffalo Bills, the Minnesota Vikings, the New York Jets, the New Orleans Saints, the Buccaneers, the University of Tennessee, USC, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida Atlantic, and Ole Miss.

Rest in peace, Monte Kiffin.

Your legacy will live on forever in Tampa Bay. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/6Ac05YuMYd

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) July 11, 2024

He is perhaps best known for devising the “Tampa-2” defense, which was famed for confusing opponents as it employed speed, giving up yards while preventing scores, and using disguised looks.

The methods helped the Buccaneers win their first Super Bowl and have been adopted by several other NFL teams, which have also experienced success.

TPS would like to extend condolences to the Kiffin family.

R.I.P, Monte Kiffin 1940-2024.