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Monte Kiffin Personifies Old School

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

arichardson@tampatrib.com

Published: December 28, 2008

TAMPA - Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin is so focused on today's game against Oakland, he does not want to think about his future job or his coaching legacy.

Kiffin and I spoke for this week's column, and out of respect for the 26-year NFL coaching veteran, we did not talk about the University of (insert school here). We also did not reflect on his career in Tampa, because it has not concluded.

Instead, we talked about young people, just in case the 68-year-old Kiffin visits a college campus soon.

Anwar: Which do you prefer - MySpace or Facebook?

Monte: MySpace or Facebook? Let's go with Facebook.

Anwar: Do you know what those are, Monte?

Monte: Yeah. I'll say Facebook.

Anwar: I don't think you know what that is, but how good are your text-messaging skills right now?

Monte: I have definitely improved my texts. I receive texts. I don't give them back.

Anwar: Who are you a bigger fan of - Lil' Wayne or Coldplay?

Monte: Who's the first one you said?

Anwar: Lil' Wayne.

Monte: That sounds good to me.

Anwar: Do you have an iPod, CD or a record player?

Monte: I like listening to talk radio in my car. Sports talk.

Anwar: OK, then I won't bother asking you how you feel about Steve Duemig. We know you're a dancer, so has anyone on the team taught you the latest dances?

Monte: First of all, I would clarify it by saying I'm not a great dancer. We do have a lot of fun, but I can't stay up with the players. They're awesome. I love watching them dance. They're awesome.

Anwar: But no Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide or Soulja Boy dances?

Monte: I've tried, but I have to keep working on it. I do like the Soulja Boy, though.

Anwar: Will you spend your next spring break at Daytona Beach or Panama City?

Monte: I tell you what. I really like the Cayman Islands. First of all, I like it because it's a short flight.

Anwar: But there aren't a lot of young kids there with beer bongs.

Monte: I think there are.

Anwar: A lot of young kids are environmentally conscious and drive hybrid cars, so will you purchase one, too?

Monte: I hadn't thought about it. It hasn't crossed my mind, but that might be a good idea.

Anwar: If I said the phrase "Panic! At The Disco," what is your first thought?

Monte: I like discos.

Anwar: OK. Well, it's a music group, but the kids will teach you that. When was the last time you blogged?

Monte: Blogged? Um, not recently.

Anwar: You have before?

Monte: Yes.

Anwar: What's your favorite Internet site?

Monte: Man, you're killing me. You crack me up. Probably MTV.com. Man, you're busting my chops.

Anwar: OK, but this one is easy. What's your favorite reality TV show?

Monte: I like the show Warren Sapp was on "Dancing with the Stars". I love it. He looked just like he was rushing the passer.

Anwar: Did you teach him any of those dance moves?

Monte: Warren had those moves long before I ever met him. He looks like he still can rush the passer.

Anwar: Which NFL player has best prepared you to be around young people?

Monte: I'll have to say Elbert Mack. He's unbelievable. He has a great personality, but everybody on our team does. He's also a walk-on type of player, like back in my days at Nebraska when we had walk-ons. I like the Stylezes Greg White and the E-Macks of the world who can make the team and have an impact. They are young, but tough as nails. Elbert has the savvy of 10-year vet. He's just a character.

Anwar: He just has way more tattoos than you have.

Monte: Definitely. He's a character and an awesome guy.

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425.

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