Next up at Nebraska: Monte Kiffin?

Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin has flirted with a couple of head-coaching jobs over the years. He once entertained an offer from the 49ers and last year took his name out of contention for the Rams' job.

But it's not out of the question that his name comes up for another big opening: the one at Nebraska.

As you might know, the Huskers fired Bill Callahan today and will be looking for a new coach. Kiffin, of course, played at Nebraska in the early 1960s and later served as defensive coordinator in the 1970s.

And I'm not just pulling this out of the sky. Here's the reason I think this is plausible: Monte's son and Raiders head coach, Lane, recently told Jim Rome in an interview that his father would have accepted the Nebraska job the last time it was open and still might if ever offered the gig.

That's a pretty reliable source if you ask me. We raised the subject with Monte a couple weeks ago just for the heck of it, and he kind of laughed it off. Didn't expect him to say anything of consequence at that point because Callahan hadn't even been fired. But you have to think 'what if' has at least crossed his mind. The very fact that Lane seems so sure of this fact is a pretty good indication it's probably come up around the dinner table a time or two.

Age is certainly a factor, seeing how Kiffin is 67. And having to hit the recruiting trail and work with kids a third his age might be something of a challenge. But Kiffin still has plenty of energy as far as I can tell, so who knows?

Just something to keep in the back of your heads as the season winds down.

Comments

[Carl]

I'd say if it does happen the Bucs should promote Raheem Morris to defensive coordinator. His secondary has been amazing this year, and he's starting a rookie FS, and a reclamation project at CB. Jermaine Phillips is finally looking good under him. Don't let Morris leave Tampa again.

[John P]

Kiffin would be a good choice to fix the mess Callahan created - but he's too old to establish the long coaching tenure that I think Osborne wants. Turner Gill is going to get the job...he's young enough (44), he's pure Nebraska, and he's worked a minor miracle getting Buffalo to show some competitiveness this year.

[JC]

I agree, Carl; Raheem would be a great replacement in the event Monte leaves. He's such a great assistant coach and the Bucs would do well to retain him any way they can, least he be plucked away like Herm, Lovie, Rod, Joe, et al.

[Skylar]

Most call it the Dungy coaching tree; I call it the Kiffin tree, as every single coach to go on to retain a head coaching job has gone through Kiffin, whether Dungy was here or not! It was be a sad day in Tampa if we were to let him go. Management needs to pay him whatever it takes to stay. Replacing Kiffin is basically impossible. The Bucs go as Monte goes...

[DR]

Kiffin is a NFL Defensive Coordinator and is 67 years old. Saying he is going to go coach college is like saying Joe Pa is going to coach the 49ers next year. It ain't gonna happen!

[Duffiedawg]

Carl and Skylar have it just right. The Bucs defense is Monte. Morris is a worthy successor. Hope both stick around.

Nebraska? C'mon Monte!

[Ceo]

Kiffin's age would hinder him from getting a college HC'ing gig. The Nebraska or Texas A&M jobs may appeal to Jim Leavitt though. Both schools have tons of cash to offer, no way USF could match them.

[Jason]

The Bucs need to do what ever it takes to keep Monte in Tampa.
That includes making him the head coach. If that's what he wants.