Greg Schiano Was “Obsessed” With Monte Kiffin
December 5th, 2012
First, Joe has good news for Bucs fans as this seemed to be a popular question this week:
Joining the 2002 Super Bowl champs reunion this weekend — with the team to be honored Sunday before and during the Bucs game with the Eagles — is former Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.
Kiffin joins Keyshawn Johnson, Chucky and a veritable Who’s Who of former Bucs from that glorious season.
Schiano didn’t try to hide his enthusiasm for having a chance to see — and perhaps chat with — that 2002 squad. Perhaps the biggest reason Schiano worshipped that team was Kiffin.
Schiano didn’t try to hide his enthusiasm for having a chance to see — and perhaps chat with — that 2002 squad. Perhaps the biggest reason Schiano worshipped that team was Kiffin.
“I am excited. These are guys for me, as a younger coach — I told your guys many times — we studied the Tampa defense wherever I have been whether it was Miami or at Rutgers. And I mean obsessed with the Tampa defense. Studied every tape they had and put on our system. Things like that. To see those players — I see one every day, Ronde — but to see those players and the rest of them and the coaches that will be around, that will be good.
“We have a job to do. The worst thing we could do on the commemorative weekend for those guys is for us to go out and not do our job. We want to make our alumni proud of how we coach and how we play. That is just another piece of the goal this weekend to go out there and get our win.”
Now there are rumors that Schiano consiliere Butch Davis is in the running to fill the head coach opening at Florida International University. Schiano wouldn’t confirm or deny this report from SI.com on Davis and FIU. But given how much Schiano respects and admires Kiffin, and given how Kiffin, since resigning as defensive coordinator at USC, wants to return to the NFL likely in a consultant capacity, would the Pinellas County resident be interested in working with Schiano in the same manner as Davis does?
December 5th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Thatd be freaking amazingly awesome if he came back to the Buccs any way shape or form.
December 5th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
that would be cool, but I just dont see it happening.
December 5th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Yes please!
December 5th, 2012 at 5:32 pm
This is just what the doctor ordered.
Bring back Kiffin!
If we can get Monty in the fold, then watch out NFL! We will be a force on both sides of the ball, finally.
December 5th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
I’d love to see the philosophies of the current coaching staff and, their run defense philosophies and how they’d mesh with Kiffin’s on pass.
December 5th, 2012 at 5:38 pm
I think Monte Kiffin would have a difficult time being only a consultant. He was a great DC here in Tampa but let’s face it, he was also a control freak on that side of the ball. How would he handle giving advice but not having the authority to control things hands-on? How comfortable could he really be in that sort of role? Interesting idea, though.
December 5th, 2012 at 5:55 pm
Thank god he’s coming! I’m sure his son fired him from usc so he could come! Monte was a masterful d-coordinator. Things have not been the same since he left us. Remember in 2008 he announced he was leaving four games before the end of the season and after that we lost 4 straight and missed the playoffs. We miss Monte.
December 5th, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Jon Gruden, Shaun King, John Lynch and Warren Sapp are also available. Why don’t we bring them all back?
*sarcasm
December 5th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Awesome Idea!
Love it!
Bring things full circle.
Bring him back!!
December 5th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
I’m sure he will probably get the loudest ovation if all of them are introduced seperate.
December 5th, 2012 at 8:17 pm
Kiffin WAS a great DC and coach. The key word is was….. As fans, we like the results he brought during his tenure but ask the players of 2002 if they agreed with his controlling manners….I bet they would say NO! I have heard many a story about Kiffin. Kiffin was always hi energy and rubbed some the wrong way. I have met him twice in Orlando and he seemed nice enough…even bought him a beer in Orlando hotel. Its 2012…I say we applaud him LOUDLY for what he has done but to truly bring him back to the NFL in 2012…no thank you.
They asked Sapp tonight if he was happy to see Kiffin this weekend…he plain out said no and repeated NO like 2 more times. Whereas, Sapp got Gruden to come for the event. Sapp was on BRN/620am with TJ Reeves and McCoy. I am betting on A-train, Brooks and Lynch Barber to get loud ovations..maybe Sapp too.
December 5th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Time for G.S. to take off the training wheels and escort Davis to the door. He needs to have his own staff not a bunch of consultants who will only serve one master….themselves. No to Kiffin and Davis…..move on Coach and D.M.
December 6th, 2012 at 12:03 am
Hell Id say that if monte was our d coordinator now we wouldn’t be giving up as many passing yards as we are now.
December 6th, 2012 at 12:32 am
kiffin’s time has passed. great while he was here, but that tampa 2 wouldn’t fly nowadays without modifications.
December 6th, 2012 at 2:29 am
I hate to say it but I doubt Monte’s Tampa 2, as we know it, would have any success at all with our pass rush.
December 6th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
There is another option. Make him Assistant Head Coach.
Kiffin is leaving college football, so he WILL be available. He never wanted to be a head coach, but would make a fine assistant. The demands on him would be less than there are on a DC.
December 6th, 2012 at 3:33 pm
As to whether his Tampa 2 would fly, you are making the assumptions that he hasn’t changed things up because of his experiences in college ball the past few years. If you ask me, its the perfect fit. His recent experience with college players fits the mold.
December 6th, 2012 at 10:43 pm
USC was 7-5 this year. Lost to Stanford and UCLA…. and gave up more than 45 points per game in the last 4 games. Hence Monty was just FIRED from college football by his own son. I think he should retire and accept his career awards and spend time with his family. He is in his 70s..
“All things must pass”. – Is the song that comes to mind…George Harrison
Thanks Monty for all the superb years! BK