Connect with us

NFL

DISHEARTENING MOMENT:Vikings Send Condolences to Family of Monte Kiffin

Published

on

The Vikings are sending condolences to the family and friends of Monte Kiffin, a former assistant coach who passed away Thursday at age 84.

 

Ole Miss Football’s X account posted the news of Kiffin’s passing.

Monte Kiffin, 84, peacefully passed away today in Oxford surrounded by family and friends. As his grandson Knox said, he’s free of pain and smiling down on us from above.

Monte Kiffin, 84, peacefully passed away today in Oxford surrounded by family and friends. As his grandson Knox said, he’s free of pain and smiling down on us from above.

Please keep the Kiffin family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Kiffin first connected with the Vikings organization as a player during part of the 1964 offseason. He did not appear in a game for Minnesota, but the following season, he joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who were led by Bud Grant.

Although the NFL playing careers for both men were short, each left indelible marks on the sport.

Kiffin’s impact was recognized in June when he was honored with an Award of Excellence from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The program was launched in 2022 to recognize support staff who have made lasting impacts through their NFL service.

Kiffin spent 52 combined seasons coaching in the college and NFL ranks, including two different stints with the Vikings, from 1986-89 and again from 1991-94 under Jerry Burns and Dennis Green (1992-94). Kiffin served as LBs coach and spent a year as the defensive coordinator of the Vikings in 1991. He worked closely with Tony Dungy during the 1992-94 seasons. Kiffin and Dungy reunited in Tampa Bay where Kiffin worked as defensive coordinator from 1996-2008, helping the Bucs to a Super Bowl title.

Monte had a great football mind and he had unbelievable recall,” said Vikings Ring of Honor linebacker Scott Studwell. “He was an effective teacher, he knew our scheme and the game inside and out. He was great on game-day adjustments and a really fun guy to be around — a players’ coach all the way. He had a great way about him, but he was very serious about the game and his role as a coach, teacher and mentor. One of my favorites for sure.”

During his eight seasons coaching with the Vikings, Minnesota’s defense enjoyed some of the most successful seasons in club history, ranking No. 1 in the NFL in total defense in 1988, ’89 and ’93. During his tenure, the Vikings defense featured Joey Browner, Chris Doleman, Studwell, Carl Lee, Keith Millard, Henry Thomas, Audray McMillian, Todd Scott, John Randle and Jack Del Rio, who all earned Pro Bowl berths.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame created the Awards of Excellence program in 2022 to recognize significant contributors to the game across five categories (Assistant Coaches, Athletic Trainers, Equipment Managers, Film/Video Directors and Public Relations Directors).

Individuals from five categories who have helped drive the accomplishments of their profession, individual NFL Clubs and the sport of pro football have been identified for Awards of Excellence under a program the Pro Football Hall of Fame launched in 2022 to recognize significant contributors to the game.

Vikings original athletic trainer Fred Zamberletti was posthumously recognized in 2022, and former Vikings assistants Sherman Lewis and Tom Moore were recognized in 2023.

Kiffin was among those recognized this year during a luncheon that was emceed by Hall of Famer Dan Fouts.

“This year’s 15 outstanding Assistant Coaches, Athletic Trainers, Equipment Managers, Film/Video Directors and Public Relations personnel have no doubt left indelible marks on their respective clubs and professional football,” Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said. “Countless hours have been spent over many years by each of these individuals making their fields, their former clubs and the National Football League better.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NFL4 days ago

Travis Kelce addresses ‘tough’ Super Bowl loss on emotional ‘New Heights’ podcast: ‘I’m kicking myself

CELEBRITY4 days ago

Angelina Jolie honors L.A. fire department during Critics Choice Awards

NFL4 days ago

NEWS: Tom Brady exposes referee corruption in Philadelphia Eagles-Kansas City Chiefs playoff game —Shocking moment Philadelphia Eagles fouls were blatantly ignored, prompting the NFL to issue an urgent official statement

CELEBRITY4 days ago

Trump takes aim at Swift after Super Bowl boos

NFL5 days ago

BREAKING: Brittany Mahomes Bombarded with ‘Hateful’ Messages After Her ‘Poorly-Timed’ Super Bowl Post – Fans Are Furious! see more….

NFL5 days ago

**BREAKING: Super Bowl Halftime Performer BANNED FOR LIFE from NFL Events After Bold Protest with Flags!**

CELEBRITY1 week ago

Michael Rapaport DROPS SHOCKING Bombshell: I WANT to See Taylor Swift in TEARS if the Chiefs Lose the Super Bowl

NFL1 week ago

“Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s Relationship Journey Amid Super Bowl Proposal Speculations”

NFL1 week ago

Breaking News: Man Who Threw Stone at Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift in New Orleans Caught A dramatic turn of events unfolded last night in New Orleans as police captured the man who threw a stone at NFL star Travis Kelce and pop sensation Taylor Swift during a dinner outing. Read More………

NFL1 week ago

Kansas City Chiefs’ Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and Zoei Billions: A Love Story

CELEBRITY1 week ago

BREAKING: Brad Pitt, 61, Engaged to Ines de Ramon 32 : Actor’s Proposal Sends Shockwaves Through Hollywood as Couple Takes Major Next Step

CELEBRITY2 weeks ago

5 minutes ago: Elon Musk exposed the whole situation and Beyoncé was removed from all the awards she had won at the Grammys, ‘She used money and connections to get it.

Copyright © 2024 Newsunik