EAGAN, Minn. — 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.
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."
