TAMPA, Fla. — Monte Kiffin, a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor and an assistant coach for their first Super Bowl-winning team, has died at 84.

The Bucs released a statement Thursday night confirming the news and sharing their condolences. 

Kiffin spent 13 seasons as the team's defensive coordinator as part of a coaching career that spanned 26 years in the NFL.

He also coached on the college level for 17 years.

"Monte Kiffin was a beloved and iconic member of the Buccaneers family, and our entire organization mourns his loss today," said the Glazer Family, owners of the Buccaneers, in a statement. "As a coach, Monte was a true innovator who got the best out of his players and helped create one of the signature defenses of the early 2000s.

"His passionate and energetic leadership style resonated with all his players, and he was instrumental in our first Super Bowl win and the success of Hall of Famers such as Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch and Ronde Barber. Off the field, Monte was kind, genuine, gracious and always had a positive attitude. He was very special to the Buccaneers organization and our family. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Robin, son, Lane, daughter, Heidi, son, Chris, and the entire Kiffin family."

In 2002, Kiffin led one of the greatest single-season defensive performances the NFL has ever seen. His crew allowed just 252.8 yards per game — nearly 40 yards better than the second-place Carolina Panthers — and 12.3 points per game.

That season ended with the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history, as the defense recorded five sacks, five interceptions and a still-standing Super Bowl record three pick-sixes in a 48-21 win over the Oakland Raiders.

His son, Lane Kiffin, is the current coach at Ole Miss.