This week, the Bucs lost a legendary coach. Monte Kiffin, architect of the so-called “Tampa Two” defense, passed away at the age of 84.

Kiffin was the defensive coordinator in Tampa for 13 seasons. And simply put, the Buccaneers would not have won their first Super Bowl without him. In that memorable 2002 season, the Bucs had the #1 defense in the league. Remember that matchup against the Raiders in the Super Bowl? Best offense vs. best defense? Yes, the Bucs defense had five interceptions, returning three of them for touchdowns. That was before people called them “pick sixes” (things were so much simpler back then.)

To this day, it still amazes me that the 2002 Bucs defense is not talked about enough as one of the best in NFL history. But that’s been the narrative for decades: Tampa Bay flies under the radar.

R.I.P. coach Kiffin. Thanks for those stifling defenses.

Photo courtesy: Tampa Bay Buccaneers