7/12/2024 | Football
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Monte Kiffin, a former Florida Atlantic Football assistant and one of the nation’s most well-respected football coaches, passed away Thursday at his home in Oxford, Miss.
Kiffin, 84, served on the Owls staff from 2017 to 2019 under his son Lane, who was FAU head coach at that same time. In the three seasons with Monte on staff, the Owls won two Conference USA titles and compiled a 26-13 record, including a 50-3 win over Akron in the 2017 Boca Raton Bowl.
“Monte was a coaching legend and one of the most respected individuals in football,” said Florida Atlantic Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian White. “He was a beloved member of the FAU and Boca Raton communities, and we were all fortunate for our time with him. Not just a great football mind, Monte was a tremendous person who had a positive impact on so many. I extend my deepest sympathies to Lane and the Kiffin family in this difficult time.”
Widely regarded as one of the premier defensive coaches in modern football, the elder Kiffin was a defensive assistant at Florida Atlantic and followed Lane to Ole Miss, where he had served on the staff since 2020.
“I extend my condolences to Lane and the rest of the Kiffin family,” said Hagerty Family Head Coach Tom Herman. “Monte’s impact on the game of football is profound. Everyone in our profession spoke so highly of him, not just for his football acumen but for his character, his passion, and his professionalism. Our game lost a great one.”
Monte was an NFL assistant for nearly three decades, including 13 years as the defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won Super Bowl XXXVII. In college, he was on the staff at Nebraska, Arkansas, Tennessee, and USC, in addition to his time at FAU and Ole Miss. His lone head coaching stint was at NC State from 1980-82.
Monte is survived by his wife, Robin, and sons Lane and Chris and daughter Heidi.
