In today’s column, Ira Kaufman sets the scene at the funeral for legendary Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

The start of training camp was always a special time for Monte Kiffin.

Sixteen years have passed since Tampa Bay’s former defensive coordinator last riled up the crowd on the opening day of camp in Orlando. Kiffin’s energy stoked Buc Nation as players drifted onto the field at the Wide World of Sports and he held court.

On Saturday, the wide world of sports gathered at Indian Rocks Baptist Church to honor the memory of an iconic assistant coach who touched the lives of so many. During an emotional 2 1/2 hour service that generated tears, smiles and laughs, Kiffin was lauded for his faith, his devotion to his family and his unbridled passion for football.

Call it the Tampa 3.

Monte Kiffin was remembered by many at his funeral in Largo.

Joel and Bryan Glazer were in attendance, surrounded by former Buc players and staff. Todd Bowles was in the house, along with Jon Gruden and former Seattle coach Pete Carroll, a close friend and co-worker who has labeled Kiffin “a tactical genius.”

Rondé Barber, Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp occupied front-row seats, along with John Lynch, who flew in from the West Coast a few days before the 49ers begin camp to pay his respects.

Those four Hall of Famers from Kiffin’s formidable defense all took to the podium to express their respect, admiration and yes, love, for Kiffin, who passed away July 11 at the age of 84.

Mike Alstott was there, along with Dave Moore, Dexter Jackson, Booger McFarland, Alex Smith and Barrett Ruud. Former Bucs linebackers coach Gus Bradley showed up, along with former quarterbacks coach Greg Olson. Tony Dungy was on vacation in Alaska or he would have been there for sure.

Was Kiffin eccentric? You bet. Was his unique? Of course.

Who else would routinely buy two cups of coffee and a doughnut on his way into work, take one bite of the doughnut and throw the rest away to avoid the calories? Who else could have gotten away with calling Barber “Randy” instead of Rondé for all those years?

An array of speakers talked about Kiffin’s devotion to his family and love for children. He coached Little League in his spare time away from football and once called a struggling 13-year-old at home to urge the boy not to quit the sport.

That’s Monte Kiffin.

He told Lynch, Sapp and Barber to remain positive as young players agonizing over slow starts, vowing they would emerge as elite players at the pro level.

That’s Monte Kiffin.

Lane and Chris Kiffin spoke about a father who was never too busy to spend quality time with his sons, his daughter, Heidi, and his eight grandchildren.

Monte Kiffin brought energy and enthusiasm to every facet of his life. He was touched when the Bucs inducted him into their Ring of Honor. His work as an assistant coach is now rightfully acknowledged in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

You couldn’t be depressed around Monte Kiffin — he wouldn’t hear of it. His energy and enthusiasm would lift you up and elevate you to a better state of mind.

That’s the message Lane Kiffin was determined to express Saturday as he described how many times the household packed its bags en route to a new football destination.

“We moved so that this man could impact not people in one town or one city, but 16 different ones,” he said through the tears.

As the crowd filed out, one of Monte Kiffin’s favorite recordings blared from the speakers, a song he had been known to dance to in front of his players:

“I Feel Good,” by James Brown.

How appropriate.