Reading between the lines, Monte Kiffin's long gone

Bucs general manager Bruce Allen just completed a news conference on the heels of the announcement the Bucs will play overseas next season.

Questions about Monte Kiffin and his potential departure to the University of Tennessee inevitably came up. Allen didn't exactly offer any specifics, but he did state unequivocally that he knows what the outcome of the Kiffin story will be. He just isn't telling.

We do, however, know this also isn't the first time the prospect of Monte joining his son, Lane, has been discussed with Allen.

"This really has been addressed some time ago with Monte," Allen said. "We feel very comfortable that we know what's taking place. We're going to let Monte make any comments he wants to and respect his views."

Allen added, "Monte and I have talked about this, obviously, when Lane went to coach the Raiders and, prior to that, when Lane was almost going to get the University of Minnesota job. . . Monte and I have addressed the different issues over the years, whether he would coach his son and things of that nature."

The fact that this possibility has apparently been on the table before makes it an even more realistic proposition this time around. This is a high-profile university, and the way we hear it, Monte stands to make substantial money, far more than anyone would imagine a college coordinator pulling down. So, there are fewer obstacles here than in the past -- such as working for Raiders owner Al Davis when Lane was Oakland's coach.

Lane just completed a news conference at UT and refused to divulge any of the names that will be joining his coaching staff, but at this point, Monte seems all but gone.

As far as who might replace him, the prevailing theory is that Bucs defensive backs Raheem Morris would be the ideal successor. He has been a pupil of Monte and of former Tampa Bay and current Steelers coach assistant Mike Tomlin, still a close friend of Morris. He would certainly be a popular choice with players, with whom Morris has many close relationships.

Comments

[WS]

Monte- do what is in you heart. Would love to see him stay, but he has done more than anyone has for the Bucs. At least we will still have an awesome core of young players. Thanks Monte!

[Feesh]

So can I get credit for breaking this story? See below.

Stephen - what's the word on Monte joining Lane in Tenn? Word is that "insider" sources say it's already a done deal. I'd like to get your opinion on this.

Posted by: Feesh | November 28, 2008 at 08:38 PM

[James]

First you have to actualy have some "breaking news" there Feesh.

As for Kiff, I can only support the man in whatever he wants to do. If he wants to leave to coach with his kid then I'll be happy to send him off in grand style.

We love you Kiffin, and I'll miss running into you in and around Indian rocks Beach.

This Miller Lite's for you brotha.

[Moe]

Wishing Monte the very best, he has been loyal and done more than his share. It will be really interesting to see what Gruden can do without him. The defense has been the heart of the Bucs for many years.

[BuccanBobby]

This copied from Sports Illustrated site, from the "Rumors" section. See reference to local Gaither football player and Tampa Tribune)

Truth & Rumors > NFLT&R RSS Last T&RNext T&R
Recruit: Monte Kiffin leaving Bucs for VolsViews 3253 Comments 20 06:48 AM ET 12.01 Share Print It My T&R Monte Kiffin's reign as the greatest defensive architect in Bucs history may be drawing to a close. Kiffin's son, Lane, will be introduced as the next head coach at the University of Tennessee at a news conference today, and reports by ESPN and out of Knoxville, Tenn., indicate he will bring his father with him to coach the defense. Locally, Gaither star Jarvis Giles said in a text message to The Tampa Tribune that Lane Kiffin told him during a Sunday morning telephone conversation he was bringing his father with him to UT. Monte Kiffin, 68, called the talk speculation after Sunday's win against the Saints.

Tampa Tribune

For what it's worth...
BuccanB

[Feesh]

You are so right James. I guess saying that it's already confirmed that Monte is joining Lane on Dec. 28, long before a story was run in the local media isn't breaking news.

I was just shocked that this story wasn't out before yesterday.

[DR]

Whatever Monte does, he can't lose. He has a once in a life time chance to coach with his son and it would be an honorable move on his part. If he choses to stay, he'll continue a legacy.
If he does leave, I would hope they would hire from within and give Morris a shot. The problem for Morris is, he'll stepping into some amazingly big shoes that will be hard to fill, especially if Brooks and/or Ronde retire. It will be like trying to fill Michael Jordan's shoes in basketball.

[Matt H]

DR, you don't need to go as high as a Michael Jordan for your analogy.
People here are still haven't got over Tony Dungy and accepted that Gruden has 3 Division titles and a Superbowl to 1 Division title for Tony.

If Monte was leaving for a Head Coaching position or retirement I'd be disappointed but happy for him, but to take a step backwards to be a College Defensive Co-Ordinator is confusing to say the least.

[Tom M]

Assuming the speculation is correct I wish that Lane had kept this quiet until after the season. Maybe that just isn't possible but it seems a bit disrespectful to put this up over the player's heads at such a critical time.

I agree we need to support Monte. The dude owe's TB nothing. We as fan's are indebted to him. He is the best. I would more comfortable trading head coaches if we had to but I hate the idea of losing Monte.

[DR]

Matt H, its guys like you who have no respect for the men who deserve it. Do you remember what Monte's defense did in 2002? Monte is the winningest coach in Bucs history, not Gruden. This is Gruden's first back to back winning season, in his 7th year coaching. Not impressed at all.
You would have more respect for Monte chasing dollars than Monte chasing a dream? It would be any father's dream to work with his son at such a high level. The Bowden's said the same thing. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't but its the fact that you tried. If Laine was hired by any other owner besides Al Davis last year, Monte was going to be his defensive coordinator.
It would be far easier losing Gruden than it will be losing Monte.

[John]

DR, Gruden in 92-77 all-time. Yeah lets get rid of him! You are such an idiot!

[DR]

John, the Bucs got rid of Tony Dungy who had and still has a better record than Gruden. Dungy doesn't bring in felons either. You're the idiot.

[OAR]

All hail "The Great" DR has spoken. First off; I remember hearing Monte in an interview(right after Lane was hired by Oakland) that he did not want to work with son, because he did not want to ruin their relationship. Second, I guess that means, Monte was the reason Dungy did so well also(which I whole heartedly agree). Third as for you felon comment(which cracks me up) check on the arrests for both Bucs and Colts, you will be surprised they have more(like 7 more)http://www.profootballtalk.com/turd-watch/standings/
Giving someone a second chance is something Im sure Dungy adheres to (especially how religious he is). Fourth, I have to agree with Matt YOU ARE THE IDIOT!

[Itch]

Feesh,

You may think you are Mr. Information. I think you are Miss Information.

Thanks for starting rumors.

[Itch]

Kiffin is such a class act, down to earth and just a nice guy in the few tmes I met him at Hattricks. I hope he stays, I would think he would worry about overshadowing hs son, and would not join him. But I would if I were in hs shoes.

No one can argue that without the defense we have had over the last decade or more, we would not have a Superbowl, conference champonships and in the running this year. Kiffin has always been the common link, and should be Hall of Fame. But not sure if there are any defensive coordnators in the HOF.

[Feesh]

OK Itch - my information was confirmed by Chris Mortensen and those in the Kiffin family. For such a rumor that I supposedly started, it's crazy how it was picked up and reported on so quickly - not a a rumor, but as a done deal.

But I appreciate the name calling..thanks.

[King]

I have watched DR pass on alot of poisonous drivel over the years, but this time I going to agree with him. Not the losing Gruden part, but the part about Monte leaving with honorable intentions vs the $$, and the fact that he is going to leave HUGE shoes to fill.

At this point, until it it officially abbounced, this is still just rumor and speculation. But if he does leave we wish him the best. He has been a better part of this team for a long time and he will be sorely missed by the team, its fans, and the Tampa community.

[Itch]

Feesh, Don't be so sensitive. I cant blame you if Kiffin leaves. I am just hoping you are horribly wrong.

[DR]

Your basing your argument off of a "turd watch". LOL. Man you guys are stupid. According to your data, the Cowboys should have halo's over their helmets with 0 arrests. Pacman Jones is a questionable signing by the boys, but they have nothing to lose if he gets banned, in fact, they'll get their pick back if he does. I'll take a Pacman over a loser like Stevens.
But back to the blog subject, I'll take Dungy over Gruden any day of the week, in any game of any season. Dungy has always won and lost with class.

[OAR]

The Great Football god DR has spoken once again, thank the heavens. That 'turd watch' is straight from the police blotter,
http://www.profootballtalk.com/turd-watch/police-blotter/
but you don't like facts, I guess. Hey whatever you can go watch the Colt's or Cowboys or whatever team's on your wagon and I'll stick with MY Bucs.
You can take Pacman(real cool name BTW). He's been playing real..., oh wait he hasn't and Stevens(keeping his nose clean) is playing and oh heaven forbid, he's contributing to his team.
Since Jon Gruden took over we excelled on Defense better than ever. Bucs Highest defensive ranking under Dungy was #3 in 1999, then slipped to #9 after unloading Nickerson and Culpepper, a move never criticized as much as Grudens personnel cutting decisions. The Bucs finished with the no.1 defense TWICE under Jon Gruden, 2002 and 2005. Same with division championships: only 1 for Coach Dungy despite having a roster full of pro-bowl players and some future hall of famers, 3 now for Gruden, maybe 4, during rebuilding years.

[DR]

Oar, get a clue bro. There you go again giving Gruden credit for the defense. When Gruden was hired, he was told Kiffen was untouchable. It was Kiffen's defense, not Gruden's. You can't compare Gruden and Dungy by division championships. Why? Because their divisions were set up differently. You think last year's Bucs team would beat out Green Bay in the Central division? Hell no! Dungy had to compete against a lot better teams than Gruden has. I mean, you win a division with a 9-7 record and fans should be proud of that? Fans should be proud to watch another pathetic offensive playoff showing at home for the second time in a row? Gruden may have added a few offensive players but he did nothing and had nothing to do with the defense, and the defense won the super bowl. It's been the defense that has been the back bone of this team for the last 10 years.
I love how you guys claim rebuilding years. You rebuild with the draft. Gruden hasn't done that. They have no future at QB and WR. You want to claim rebuilding years, look at Mike Smith. He was hired to rebuild and he's got an up and coming team in Atlanta. He has a stud QB in rookie Matt Ryan, a stud young WR in Roddy White, and they made a trade for a solid RB in Michael Turner. You guys should enjoy the unexpected success of the Bucs this year because their future is bleak. The Falcons will be the team to beat next year and have a good shot at winning the division this year. Someone has to lose this week between the Panthers and Bucs and the Falcons still have both on the schedule. Thanks Gruden and Allen. Dexter Jackson sure looks like a NFL talent.

[Vince]

DR, good to see you are still hanging around spewing your anti-Gruden venom. Somehow a blog about Monte turns into a tirade about Gruden v Dungy? Classic DR. You are definitely the king of all haters and what makes you particularly amusing (the way a clown is amusing) is you try so hard to back up your silly arguments with "facts." Man, you are hillarious. Keep going please. We all want more. Give us some of the oldies but goodies -- Gruden won with Dungy's team is one of my favorites.

I like your latest pathetic attempt -- rebuilding is done through the draft and Gruden has not done it. Ha Ha Ha. First, you cannot sign any players, even new players through the draft, without picks and salary cap space. Gruden is partially to blame for the picks (I guess?) because the Bucs gave them up for him (because Dungy could not win an away playoff game with the best defense in football. (See Sean King and the Rams game)). McKay is to blame for the salary cap woes.

Second, the Bucs have rebuilt through the draft. Where have you been hiding (I assume up Jerry Jones butt). Joseph, Sears, Trueblood, Jackson, Rudd, Piscitelli, Hayward, Black, etc. . .. The Bucs have not attempted (in any meaningful way) to draft a QB and they have struggled to draft an effective WR (that is a valid criticism of Gruden), but they also made the best WR free agent acquisition this year. Compare the return the Bucs are receiving from Bryant to the "big name" free agent WRs.

See DR, that is your problem (and the problem for all the haters). You are so determined to hate that you say ridiculous (and sometimes flatly wrong) stuff to suppport your crazy positions. But, hey let's keep the good time rolling. DR, tell us why Gruden won with Dungy's team . . .

[OAR]

Ah, the ever humbling words from the Great DR. My "bro", I only used Gruden's name as reference for the years, because you said you'd take Dungy over Gruden.(Kiffin is the MAN for defense). And guess what you can say the same for the Dungy years it was Kiffins not Dungy's (want to get technical, it's was mostly Wyche's players that were drafted). Guess I shouldnt have used the term "rebuilding" cause you can't rebuild to much from draft, when you have little to no picks. I think their picks of late have been very good Adams, Tanard, Caddy, A Smith, Ruud, J Phillips, W Allen, D Buening, Davin, Trueblood, Sabby, even Clayton(except Jackson, but hey it can be a gamble at times in the draft). Oh your so up to hold hands with the defense, yet you dont think they would have beat the Packers. And Gruden did have things to do with the defense winning the superbowl. He left Kiffin as the def coord(they were friends before he came to Tampa and knew who was really the reason for their success) and drafted Phillips, brought in Spires(I know not alot, but it is something) BTW Alsott Walker and both Johnson's were the only offensive players on team(so more than a few were brought in, get over it.)
Finally, like I said, if you think were so pathetic go watch whatever team is on your wagon this year. You obviously can't be a true fan to any team.

[DR]

You guys are naming players that haven't proven much at all. Zero pro bowlers. The defense does have some young players but again, you have to credit Kiffen and his defense for developing those guys into talent. They still have a lot to prove. As far as the offense goes, they don't have much at all. Caddy would be a good draft pick if he was drafted in the 3rd round because that is all he has been worth. Many far better RBs in his draft. You have to wonder why these young offensive players have shown some ability but have been disappointments so far. Gruden's offensive system flat out sucks. Kiffen's shoulders got to be hurting because Gruden has gotten fatter and Kiffen keeps on carrying him. He has the worst red zone offense in the league and if it wasn't for the defense, the Bucs would have no more than 5 wins right now. Last week, it was the Bucs defense that got them the game winning field goal, stopped a drive in the end zone and sealed the game with 3 INTs. The offense got what...3 yards? You guys blame everything else but Gruden for the Bucs failures and praise him for what he's not. I think the worst thing about Gruden is you guys who support him. I wouldn't dislike the guy as much if I didn't read verbal BJs non stop on this blog. He's an above average coach but nowhere near the amount of respect you guys give him. If someone who didn't pay attention to football read these blogs they would think Gruden won the last 10 super bowls. You guys praise him for winning a pathetic injury riddled division and yet somehow blacked out of your minds the pathetic performances his Bucs have made in their last two playoff games...at home. Again, you guys blame everything on anything, especially the refs. The refs are out to get the Bucs but you guys forget the fact that they got hooked up in the Bears game. Or the fact that they got hooked up in the biggest way possible, making a horrible two point conversion call for Alstott that won the game in the last seconds, giving the Bucs a home playoff game. Of course, we know what happened with that gift.

[Vincent]

I don't care, DR is the man! You might hate what he says, but when he "speaks", people listen! And he takes on like 5 "messsage board posters" at the same time single handedly, and doesn't back down! Very entertaining, and I actually agree with many of his football takes. And in fact, I think he's a HUGE Bucs fan! He just doesn't put on "blinders" and pretend the team can do no wrong!

[Vince]

Vincent, you are too easily impressed. Look closer because you are seeing classic DR. DR makes an argument ("Gruden cannot build through the draft"), get shot down by two bloggers because he is flat wrong (see the long list of good young draft pick in the prior posts), DR changes his argument (these drafts picks are unproven because they are not Pro Bowlers). Poor DR. Silly little hating clown.

DR, it is almost not worth responding to you. Many of the responses to your blog posts seem like "verbal BJs" for Gruden becasue people are responding to your blind hatred. I don't think I have ever seen you make a single argument on these blogs that did not take a shot at Gruden (because he is not Dungy). This current blog is about Kiffin, right?

[OAR]

All hail DR has spoken and now Vincent(you guys shoould hang out together on game day). I have only given Gruden praise when warranted or in response to your intelligent(insert sarcasm) hater remarks. I dont think Gruden is a genius(a label he was given form his time in Philly and Oakland) but somewhat of a guru(the superbowl season B johnson had 26 tds 80% of those were to guys wide open (nice match ups)) Also on the subject of the superbowl (many of you haters forget it was basically a Gruden team that we played against) I find it hilarious "how we lucked out" playing Oakland(like the league is fixed, please). Our defense would have stopped any of the afc teams in the playoffs that year; Pittsburgh, Jets, Browns, and Titans. Our defense is bad to the bone.
DR you give Matt Ryan love quotes, but what if he is a one yr wonder. Let's give these guys time from our drafts to see if they are really good.

[OAR]

THIS IS FROM ANOTHER ARTICLE BUT FIGURED SINCE YOUR REPLYING HERE I'LLTHROW IT IN. The Great One speaks to us again. DR the perverbial football god(at least he thinks so). Listen "bro", same thing could be said about Garcia(Defense has won his games), but let's look at some career totals numbers:
wins & loses-Garcia 52-53, Griese 42-36. Under the bucs Garcia is 10-7
Griese is 13-7. Under Bucs Garcia has 21 tds and 7 ints. Griese 31 tds and 23 ints.(Garcia 22 games, Griese 21 games..hmmm) Well 10 more tds more wins(which I'll take anyday)...hmmmmm.
As for defensive scores during games this year; Garcia:2(plus 2 special teams scores) Griese:2(no special teams scores). Gee, I'll stick with Kurt on this one DR. Us stupid sob bucs fans need to stick together.

[Vince]

DR, Jay, Valrico Rick and all you other haters -- this will make you sick:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80cfe032&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

It seems the national media does not share your point of view

[DR]

One writer is national media now? LOL- you make up anything you can to support an average coach. "Gruden made a bold move..." Yeah, sure was bold when Garcia was asking why he was benched and Gruden blamed injury and Garcia said he could play. Just like the "bold" move to cut Simeon Rice by means of messenger. Rice needed to be cut, but the way it was done was cowardly to say the least. I know Rice is a big man and all, but there was no reason to be scared. I like the comparison between Griese and garcia...where is the playoff comparison? Ohhh, I see, it would prove my point. Garcia has only lead 3 teams into the playoffs and griese? We're still waiting...
Look at the Peter King article and see where he thinks the Bucs are. Most articles I read about the Bucs last game was about the Saints choking the game away rather than the Bucs winning the game. I don't like that because it discredits the Bucs defense. The Bucs defense won the game. If you look at the past 10 years, the Bucs defense played their best in what year?...2002. The offense has been the same and the seasons have ended the same besides 2002, in disappointment. The Bucs desperately need an offensive coordinator and if Gruden doesn't like that, show him the door. And you guys can cry all day about it.

[Vince]

Silly little DR.

[Vince]

DR, the road to recovery starts with small steps. Let's see if you can say just one nice thing about Gruden? Hmmm . . . how about the touchdown to Bryant? Gruden's play right? You may have even seen Garcia (who so obviously hates Gruden) celebrate with Gruden? How about that play? Just one play? C'mon . . . you can do it!

DR! DR! DR!

[OAR]

Once again the Great DR is showering us with his awesome football knowledge, from up on his golden uprights.
First, Simeon looks good with his new team(s) doesn't he. You probably think Gruden was why Sapp was not resigned.
Second, your knowledge is about as deep as a bird bath. Griese took the Broncos to the playoffs(2000 11-5) his pro-bowl year. Garcia hasn't had a 2 or more td game in 38 games(wow). Also McNabb might find that offensive about Garcia leading "3" teams to playoffs.
Third, (excuse me while I wipe away my tears) but last time I read Peter King his power rankings he placed Bucs in the top 5.

[Feesh]

It's KIFFIN! Not Kiffen! K-I-F-F-I-N

[CP 76 BUC]

Stop crying about dungy, he has had the most high power offense in NFL history and has one ring , one appearance in the superbowl! Gruden has done as much and got us the ring because he didnt stick with a Dilfer type QB. All those coebacks this year are the plays he is calling, u think dungy would have made those calls, he would still be running and punting when we were losing late (go back and look at film). I am not taking anything away for what dungy did for the Bucs but if he were here we still wouldnt have a ring. We are 9-3 this year with no namers on the receiving corps. We had to score to be 9-3 folks, we are puting the 20 points on the board that Dungy never did (see Sapps coments on NFL films). Now Kiffin I hate to see go, he could be giving up the chance to be the first defensive coordinator in the hall of fame. Especially five years from now where you can see sapp, lynch, and possibly allstot going in the HOF. And just imagine if they get the ring this year you could see Brooks and Barber retire healthy, and then they would be eligible into the HOF as well, can you imagine 5 bucs getting inducted at the same time, what would that say about Kiffin 4 guys on defense making it. Lastly get ready McNabb and Ocho Cinco will be bucs next year, bye Galloway now you dont have to fake the training camp injuries, and we will actually get a receiver that will fight for a ball. We have the money folks it will be spent especially if we dont make the dance!

[DR]

Apparently you can't read oar (no surprise) but I said Rice needed to be cut. It was a good business decision, but the manner in which he was cut was ridiculous.
i will give credit to Gruden for playing his best QB even though that may have happened through injury. Garcia is the best QB on the roster and he should be starting every game unless he gets injured.
Kiffin should be a hall of fame coach regardless of his decision after this season is over.