Warren Sapp, John Lynch and other former Buccaneers pay tribute to Monte Kiffin

One of the most important figures in Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise history left us on Thursday morning. Monte Kiffin, who led one of the most legendary defenses ever constructed, died at the age of 84.

He leaves behind a legacy that stands alongside other titans of the game, as Kiffin helped not only the Buccaneers franchise chart a new course but changed the way defenses were coached around the league.

Along with Tony Dungy, Kiffin created the Tampa 2 defense, a scheme that was revolutionary in the late-90s but soon became a standard style thanks to how well it worked. Kiffin oversaw one of the most iconic defenses to ever terrorize the league, as the Buccaneers run from 1996 through their Super Bowl season is the stuff of legend.

Kiffin helped usher in a new era in Tampa Bay, playing a huge role in pulling the team out of darkness and onto a path that it remains on today. His impact is almost hard to comprehend, as not only did he help change the course of the franchise but the impact he had on the players he coached was evident in the tributes he received after news of his death spread.

Former Buccaneers players and coaches pay tribute to Monte Kiffin

Under Kiffin, eight different Buccaneers defensive players made a combined 36 Pro Bowl appearances, with six also earning All-Pro honors.

Most notably, though, four of his players became Hall of Famers. Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, and Ronde Barber have all been enshrined in Canton and they were among the players paying tribute to Kiffin after his passing.

John Lynch released a statement after news of Kiffin's death broke, calling him

“I love that man and am so indebted to him," Lynch said. “Monte had a unique enthusiasm for life, football and family. He also had a passion for coaching - and helping people like myself become the best version of themselves. He was a great listener - he listened to his players. He knew u played best when I got involved in the game early so he tried to blitz me in every first series of a game."

Warren Sapp, one of four Buccaneers players who reached the Hall of Fame under Kiffin's guidance, posted a tribute on social media to his former coach. Teammate Chidi Ahanotu did as well, calling Kiffin "like an uncle" to him.

Former Buccaneers head coach Tony Dungy recalled the moment he knew he wanted to hire Kiffin after taking the job in Tampa Bay back in 1996.

Kiffin influenced more than just players. His coaching staff featured guys who would go on to play prominent roles throughout the league over the next few decades. His list of assistant coaches reads like a who's who of big-name NFL personnel.

• Joe Barry
• Raheem Morris
• Rod Marinelli
• Lovie Smith
• Herm Edwards

His most prized pupil was Mike Tomlin, who learned the ropes under Kiffin for years before going on to become one of the greatest coaches in Pittsburgh Steelers history.

Kiffin's influence on the game is insane, but the love for him runs even deeper. Nothing proves that more than the outpouring of tributes he received from the men he helped mold who were the first to let the world know just how much he meant to their careers and their lives.

That's who Monte Kiffin was and forever will be.

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