Lane Kiffin recently shared a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram story on 12th July following the passing of his father, Monte Kiffin, on July 11, 2024. The note read, “At the end of our lives, there is only one regret – that we did not make the most of what we had, while we still had it.” Losing a parent is an indescribable hurt. Kiffin has always been an amazing human being and coach. Back when Braden Waterman was diagnosed with cancer, Lane had posted on X, “One of the strongest people I have ever met!!! Can’t wait for you to get back.” Manners maketh a man.

To see a man like this go through such a loss is tragic. After his father and mentor passed away, Lane also posted some vintage photos of them together. His father, Monte, looking young and bold with Lane as a child next to time. “My hero” is what Lane decided on for the caption. Monte Kiffin himself has been an influential figure in the NFL. With 30 years coaching in the NFL and developing the renowned “Tampa 2” defense.

Football fans have had it quite rough recently. First, we lost Keith Miller III, the young WR for Texas who had so much more left to showcase. Now we lost Monte Kiffin. The 2024 season will be a rough patch, as fans will surely remember these notable names and how they missed out on the game.

With prayer and love

Deion Sanders, aka Coach Prime, expressed his condolences on social media, writing, “@OleMissFB God Bless the Kiffin family, friends and Loved ones. Praying for u @Lane_Kiffin.” This heartfelt message from Deion highlights the respect and admiration he has for Monte Kiffin’s legacy and his support for Lane during this difficult time. While his father is gone, it is sure that Lane will carry on the legacy.

Under Lane’s leadership, Ole Miss has seen unprecedented success, including multiple 10-win seasons and high national rankings in both offense and defense. “I try to be more like him every year. I think he’s an amazing person when it comes to relationships with the other coaches and players and developing them on and off the field,” Lane had said regarding his father. His father’s ability to build relationships and develop players is what fans can expect to see in Ole Miss, as Lane plans on running on with the light his father had lit.