TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Broncos To Talk With Morris

ADVERTISEMENT

By IRA KAUFMAN

ikaufman@tampatrib.com

Published: January 2, 2009

TAMPA - Raheem Morris' fast track just got a little faster.

A week after Morris was named Monte Kiffin's successor as defensive coordinator of the Bucs, the Broncos have set up an interview with Tampa Bay's 32-year-old former secondary coach as a potential replacement for Coach Mike Shanahan.

Denver is looking at a wide range of candidates to replace Shanahan, who was fired Tuesday despite winning two Super Bowls with the Broncos. While it may be unlikely Morris gets the job, the Bucs must mobilize for the possibility of losing a young, dynamic assistant on the rise.

With Kiffin now helping his son, Lane, at the University of Tennessee, Tampa Bay named Morris as defensive coordinator last week to ease the transition process. In addition to seeking a replacement for Morris as coach of the defensive backs, the Bucs must now deal with the possibility of losing Morris.

Should Morris be hired by Denver, Tampa Bay could be tempted to scrap the Cover 2 system in place since Kiffin and Tony Dungy arrived in 1996. Romeo Crennel, dismissed by the Browns on Monday, has an extensive background as a defensive coach and could become a coordinator candidate in Tampa if Morris leaves.

Former Bucs defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was just fired as coach of the Lions and he is comfortable with Tampa Bay's current defensive system, but the Bears have already expressed interest in hiring Marinelli.

Kiffin Says Goodbye

As Monte Kiffin begins a new venture working for his son, Lane, at Tennessee, he leaves behind a remarkable 13-year tenure as the Bucs' defensive coordinator.

In 11 of those 13 seasons, Tampa Bay's defense ranked in the Top 10 among NFL teams.

"His body of work speaks for itself," said Bucs coach Jon Gruden, who saw Kiffin's defense return three picks for TDs in the 48-21 Super Bowl win vs. Oakland. "What I'll remember most about him is his passion, his work ethic and his consistency in his daily approach. He's very special that way."

Kiffin's exuberance will also be missed by Bucs fans used to seeing the 68-year-old assistant stoke the crowds during FanFest at Raymond James Stadium and training camp at Lake Buena Vista.

NFL head coaches Lovie Smith (Chicago), Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh) and Herm Edwards (Kansas City) all worked in Tampa under Kiffin, who has ended a 26-year affiliation as an NFL coach with six organizations.

"There's a part of me jealous that Monte's going to Tennessee, but overall I'm happy for him," said Bucs defensive tackle Chris Hovan. "He had to move on, but that man and his incredible energy is really going to be missed around here."

Keyword: Kiffin to compare how the Bucs fared defensively during his tenure in Tampa.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT