The godfather of the Bucs defense did nothing Sunday to kill talk of him joining son Lane Kiffin at the University of Tennessee in '09

A report by BSPN’s Chris Mortensen Sunday said Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin will follow son Lane Kiffin to the University of Tennessee, citing unnamed sources. Joe first told you the lure of father and son coaching together was much more than rumor in an exclusive report in October.  

(If FoxSports.com’s Jay Glazer reported this, Joe would believe it to be a done deal. Glazer is never wrong and usually wipes the floor with Mort’s “sources.” Additionally, Joe is hearing whispers that Monte’s agent is already negotiating a contract with the Vols.)

Vacation Man has even written Kiffin’s Bucs obituary.

Sunday, Monte Kiffin offered nothing to kill the talk. He was cornered by the media at the Bucs-Saints Game.

“I’m just telling you, I can honestly tell you it’s just speculation, just like it came up with the Raiders,” he said. “It came up two years ago. It came up last year. I’m still here. All I’ll talk about and focused on is Monday Night Football, Carolina Panthers, and how about the game we just played?”

Sadly, Monte didn’t come out and say that he will coach the Bucs defense next year. That’s all he had to say. But he wouldn’t go there.

Bucs secondary coach Raheem Morris could be capable replacement for the elder Kiffin. He likely is a spectacular choice. But, regardless, losing Monte would be a loss. The guy is not a figurehead, and he’s not replaceable.