Bucs keep defensive guru

Kiffin gets extension to stay with Super Bowl champs

Monte Kiffin's defense led the NFL in fewest yards and points allowed. AP

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers demonstrated their commitment to keep Monte Kiffin from moving to the San Francisco 49ers or anywhere else, signing their defensive coordinator to a new three-year contract Thursday night.

Terms were not disclosed, but Kiffin already was among the NFL's highest-paid defensive coordinators at close to $1 million per year.

The deal comes two days after the 49ers received permission to talk to Kiffin about their head coaching vacancy, and four days after the Bucs' capped the best season in franchise history by beating the Oakland Raiders 48-21 in the NFL title game.

"We are committed to winning another championship, and Monte has been a huge part of our success," Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer said. "Our defense has ranked among the best in the NFL for several years under his direction and we look forward to continuing that tradition."

The Bucs ranked first in total defense, allowing 252.8 yards per game, and became the first team since the 1985 Chicago Bears to lead the league in total defense, fewest points allowed and interceptions.

Monte's Python Tampa Bay's defense under Kiffin Year  Yds/Gm  NFL Rank  1996  300.9  11  1997  289.1  3  1998  271.6  2  1999  267.5  3  2000  300.0  9  2001  290.8  6  2002  252.8  1  In previous 13 seasons before Kiffin's arrival, Bucs ranked better than 16th in total defense only twice (1988, '91).

Tampa Bay intercepted NFL MVP Rich Gannon five times, and returned three of them for touchdowns, in the Super Bowl.

The 62-year-old Kiffin thanked the 49ers for their interest, but said his situation in Tampa was too good to leave.

"The reason I had the opportunity to even be considered for a head coaching position is because of Jon Gruden and the four defensive assistants, along with 25 defensive players that are totally committed to being the best," Kiffin said.

"Defensively, this was our best year and we capped it off with our success against the Raiders. ... We feel like we can continue to get better next year and hope to bring another championship back to the city of Tampa."

Kiffin's defenses have ranked in the top 10 for six consecutive seasons. During that span, the Bucs have allowed a league-low 1,538 points, including just 196 this season, the fifth-fewest in NFL history during a 16-game schedule.

"It is great news to hear that coach Kiffin is staying," NFL defensive player of the year Derrick Brooks said in Honolulu, where he is preparing for the Pro Bowl. "It is important to keep the coaching staff together and have that continuity."

 

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