Former Buccaneers Head Coach Comments on Passing of Franchise Legend

Raheem Morris payed tribute to one of his mentors.
May 10, 2024; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is interviewed before the start of Rookie Minicamp at the Falcons Training Camp.   Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2024; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is interviewed before the start of Rookie Minicamp at the Falcons Training Camp. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend and Ring of Honor member Monte Kiffin was one of the most influential football minds of his time, and as a result, he inspired countless coaches in the NFL going forward.

Kiffin passed away on Thursday at the age of 84, and after news broke, many those who played under him and those he inspired through his coaching made statements of their own in his honor. One of those people was Raheem Morris, a former Buccaneers head coach and the current head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Morris was a defensive backs coach for the Buccaneers in 2007-08, where he served under Kiffin. In his statement on Kiffin's passing, he talked about how inspiring and crucial Kiffin was to his own career going forward.

"Monte Kiffin was not only a legendary and innovative coach who had an immeasurable impact on the game, but an exceptional human being who truly cared about others," Morris said. "He was a mentor to me, and so many others, and will be dearly missed. My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to Robin and the Kiffin family."

READ MORE: Rachaad White Names One Buccaneers Offensive Player NFL Fans Are Sleeping On

Morris became Tampa Bay's head coach the year after Kiffin was fired in 2008 alongside head coach John Gruden. He was the head coach in Tampa Bay for three years, going 3-13 his first year, 10-6 in his second and 4-12 in his third before being fired and replaced by Greg Schiano.

Now, Morris will go up against the Bucs twice a year in the NFC South as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. It's always impressive to be named the head coach of an NFL football team, and while that accomplishment comes from Morris' own efforts, he'll be sure to carry Kiffin's inspiration as his mentor going forward in his football career.

READ MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Legend Monte Kiffin Dies at 84

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the offseason.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• What Does a 'Successful' 2024 Season Look Like For Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

• Top 3 Things To Get Excited About Ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2024 Season

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Lineman on QB Baker Mayfield: 'He's a Dog'

• Top 3 Concerns Ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2024 Season


Published
River Wells

RIVER WELLS

River Wells is a sports journalist from St. Petersburg, Florida, who has covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2023. He graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Florida in 2021. You can follow him on Twitter @riverhwells.