There is sorrow in the hearts of Lane Kiffin and his family. It’s a solemn day as the football world mourns the passing of the Ole Miss Rebels HC’s father and legendary defensive coach Monte Kiffin. An influential and beloved coach in both the NFL and college football, the father of ‘Tampa 2’ defense is put to eternal rest surrounded by his close ones. And Lane Kiffin’s heartfelt tribute almost moves viewers to tears.

In a tear-jerking tribute to his father, Lane Kiffin uploaded two vintage photos of him as a child with his father. It’s clear from the photos how little Lane looked up to Monte Kiffin as his hero just as he does now as he captioned, “My hero.” And the pain of losing his hero who molded him beyond football passes down to his daughters Landry and Presley Kiffin who grieve over their grandfather’s passing. 

As their wise guide left them peacefully at the age of 84, Presley Kiffin took her emotions out on IG by resharing a story of olemissfb’s tribute post on her grandfather. As per the program’s post, Lane Kiffin’s son Knox believes his grandfather is “free of pain and smiling down on us from above.” The budding athletic daughter grieved aloud on her story saying, “Hardest goodbye I love you.”

Lane Kiffin’s older daughter Landry Kiffin also paid respect to her grandfather in her IG story. She also reposted the same story and gave two hearts for a caption as she paid respect to Monte Kiffin, a blessing to the Kiffin family and the football world. It’s truly a saddening period for the family members as they gather around their beloved grandfather and father in Oxford to wave the last goodbye. 

Monte Kiffin’s legacy will live on

Born in 1940, Monte Kiffin spent nearly 30 years coaching in the NFL, 12 of which were spent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996-2008 where he’s the Ring of Honor. It was thanks to his Tampa 2 defense strategy that turned the Bucs’ defense from 27th to 11th. That was just in his first year as the defensive coordinator. And that’s not all. 

Monte Kiffin also coached teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings, among others. It’s not surprising how his demise affects a huge part of the football world. Just two weeks ago, he was there to receive an Award for Excellence at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. All those who Monte Kiffin inspired during his lifetime stand together in prayer as we rest the soul in peace.