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University of Tennessee head football coach Lane Kiffin, center, introduces Ed Orgeron, left, as the new assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator and his father Monte Kiffin as the new defensive coordinator on Friday.
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UT head coach, Lane Kiffin, introduces his father, Monte Kiffin, as the new defensive coordinator for the Vols. Watch »
Since arriving in Knoxville a little more than a month ago, Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin promised a strong coaching staff and asked for patience during the process.
And while the Vols have at least two more openings on their staff left to fill, he's already making good on his pledge.
On Friday, Kiffin introduced two of his new hires - his father, longtime NFL defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, and former Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron - calling them "the best in the world at what they do."
Both Monte Kiffin, who will be defensive coordinator, and Orgeron, who will be assistant head coach, recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach, were key hires for UT's 33-year-old coach.
"If we're going to do that and sell that to a kid and sit in a living room and tell a kid he's going to get coached better than anyone else in college or the NFL, the only way we can do that is to put these two guys together," Lane Kiffin said.
Monte Kiffin brought serious NFL credentials to Knoxville on Tuesday, when he officially joined his son's staff. During Kiffin's 13 seasons in Tampa, the Buccanneers' defense ranked among the top 10 in total defense and points allowed 11 times.
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UT head coach, Lane Kiffin, introduces Ed Orgeron as the Vols’ new assistant head coach, recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach. Watch »
Audio
- New assistant head coach Ed Orgeron talks with Dave Hooker
- Monte Kiffin is introduced as Tennessee's defensive coordinator
- Monte Kiffin is introduced as Tennessee's defensive coordinator
- Ed Orgeron is introduced as Tennessee's associate head coach, recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach
- Dave Hooker interviews UT coach Ed Orgeron
Monte Kiffin
- Age: 68
- Player: 1959-63 - offensive and defensive tackle, Nebraska; 1965 - defensive end, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)
- Coach: 1966-76 - defensive assistant, coordinator (73-76) Nebraska; 1977-79 - defensive coordinator, assistant head coach (1979), Arkansas; 1980-82 - head coach, North Carolina State; 1983 - linebackers, Green Bay Packers; 1984-85 - linebackers, Buffalo Bills; 1986-89 - linebackers, Minnesota Vikings; 1990 - linebackers, New York Jets; 1991 - defensive coordinator, Minnesota Vikings; 1992-94 - inside linebackers, Minnesota Vikings; 1995 - defensive coordinator, New Orleans Saints; 1996-2008 - defensive coordinator, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Highlights: Won 2002 Super Bowl with Tampa Bay; Bucs ranked among top 10 in points allowed and total defense 11 of his 13 seasons.
- Lane Says: "I know the way that our defense will play under him because I've seen it for years and years."
Ed Orgeron
- Age: 47
- Player: Defensive line, Northwestern (La.) State 1980-83
- Coach: 1984 - grad assistant, Northwestern (La.) State, 1984; 1985 - grad assistant, McNeese State; 1986-87 - assistant strength coach Arkansas; 1988-92 - University of Miami, GA (1988) defensive line; 1994 - linebackers, Nichols State; 1995-97 - defensive line, Syracuse; 1998-2004 defensive line, recruiting coordinator (2001-04), Southern California; 2005-07 - head coach, Ole Miss; 2008 - defensive line, New Orleans Saints
- Highlights: Three BCS bowls and two national titles (2003, 2004) at USC; two national titles at Miami (1989, 1991); coached eight All-Americans and three first-round picks at Miami; 2004 national recruiter of the year (Sporting News, Rivals.com)
- Lane Says: "He's the best defensive line coach in the country, NFL or college. He is the best recruiter anywhere. Anywhere in the country, any conference."
He also brought a carnival barker's energy to his introduction Friday.
"There's two things in Nebraska: flat land and the football team," said the elder Kiffin who played and coached at Nebraska, where he grew up.
"You know what there is in Tennessee? Well, there's more than two things. There's hills, but there's a heck of a football team and a great history. Tennessee Volunteers!"
While a little more subdued, Orgeron expressed excitement to join UT's staff and return to college football after a season as defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints.
Orgeron, who was courted by LSU and the Saints in recent weeks, cited the Kiffins as the primary reason he chose the Vols
"I believe in those guys," he said. "I think they're two of the brightest minds in football.
"The opportunity to come back to the SEC. The opportunity to have all the resources we need to be a powerhouse in recruiting."
Orgeron, despite a 10-25 record in three seasons with Ole Miss, is widely regarded as one of the best recruiters in college football.
He's also considered one of the best defensive line coaches in football, having coached eight All-Americans at Miami and helped Southern California develop dominant defensive lines during his seven-year stay with the Trojans.
But recruiting is Orgeron's passion.
"I know what it takes to recruit in the SEC," said Orgeron, whose recruiting efforts at Ole Miss were the subject of the 2007 book "Meat Market."
"I know that in order for us to go to the SEC championship, win it, and win the national championship... that we have to go toe-to-toe with Florida.
"We have to go toe-to-toe with Alabama. We have to go toe-to-toe with LSU. Toe-to-toe with Georgia, in the recruiting battles in the homes and win, in order to beat them on the field."
So far, Kiffin has hired five coaches.
Former Oakland Raiders offensive line coach James Cregg, former South Carolina quarterbacks coach David Reaves and former St. Louis Rams tight ends and offensive line coach Jim Chaney have all joined Kiffin's staff, although none has been given a specific position.
Terms of those agreements, as well as those of Orgeron and Monte Kiffin's agreements, were not made available.
Two of former coach Phillip Fulmer's assistants from this past season, running backs coach Stan Drayton and tight ends coach Jason Michael, are currently on UT's staff. It remains unclear whether either will be retained by Kiffin.
An official announcement from UT will come once the entire staff is finalized and all coaches have been assigned a position.
According to Monte Kiffin, that process is rolling along.
"We're talking to some very, very good people right now," said the elder Kiffin, who will be "a walk-around coordinator" and not coach a specific position on defense. "Unless we just find the right guy, we're not going to move too fast. I have the same philosophy as my son."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
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Comments » 177
Bruce_Pearl_Fan writes:
Monte Kiffin is next level. That guy fires me up.
TommyJack writes:
Workin the plan. I like it.
gohawks1 writes:
Make it happen, coach.
ctownvol writes:
I'm ready to suit up right now. Just tell me where I can play coach!
allntl1#565211 writes:
Football is exciting in Tennessee again.
Everyday is something new, can't wait until spring practice starts.
rabidvol1998 writes:
We're recruiting football players, not internet gurus.
However, if coach O does show up at your house, tell him I ready too.
bluetick writes:
I heard that Mark. The good thing is the players will take the excitement and enthusiasm in their voices and carry it to the field. There is no way they won't transfer that excitement to game days. That is the first time I have heard either of them talk before and MK fires me up too. I can't wait to see what this all brings in the coming seasons, and who we get for the other positions.
Was there a press conference to announce the OC or did I just miss it. It's obvious these two guys are the A list for what they do and I'm sure the others that are hired will be also. Hard to believe Lane doesn't have a better personality after being around his father. MK is a HOOT!
TommyJack writes:
Has there been an announcement yet about the O/W game?
ctownvol writes:
Guru? I got promoted? Should I have received a raise as well?
TinaTennesseeVol writes:
Is it just me or does the photo look like all three of the men had the deer in the headlight look. How 'bout a little smile for the camera?! The sideline at Neyland will look COMPLETELY different. Speaking of completely different, did anyone notice Philip Fulmer tonight on ESPN? Has he lost weight?
vailvol writes:
i can't wait to see these guys run through the first T. Its going to by West. KY but its going to be loud and exciting.
rabidvol1998 writes:
Unknown due to construction and new coaches plans. Sometime in April is all I've heard.
rabidvol1998 writes:
I thought you would appreciate the promotion in lieu of a raise.
ctownvol writes:
Now you sound just like the State of Georgia. They just love to tell me that very same thing...
rabidvol1998 writes:
He's been doing an excellent job.
As for the weight, probably the stripes. Standard orange apparel doesn't help hide the bulge very well .. unfortunately I speak from experience.
bluetick writes:
Deer in the headlights? Maybe not. It's not a fashion show so no need to smile. The only one that looks a bit too clean cut is Lane. The other two seem like good ole' country boys to me. I'd prefer to see them gritting their teeth than smiling. :)
rabidvol1998 writes:
Whoa Nelly ... Javier could go all the way.
What a run.
Hey Tina .. the bad photo was becuase the photographer forgot to tell them to say "Jack Daniels".
ornglovinyankealum writes:
I thought Coach Kiffin hired the South Carolina strength coach in addition to his brother-in-law.
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
Yoyoyoyo yo yo yo yo yo FOOTBALL!
Bring it on, keep the hires coming!
ckeller18 writes:
Hopefully less booze too.
allntl1#565211 writes:
Alabama is struggling.
All that money Saban makes you would think he could afford a bra. That look is vulgar and should be banned from national television.
gohawks1 writes:
"I know what it takes to recruit in the SEC," said Orgeron, whose recruiting efforts at Ole Miss were the subject of the 2007 book "Meat Market."
When I say Hillshire,
you say Farms...
Hillshire!
Farms!
GO MEAT!
cobbwebb writes:
this just in hot off the presses: ORGERON STEALS MORE THAN SHOW newly acquired university of tennessee defensive line coach ed orgeron was spotted in victorias secret, inside west town mall this afternoon, stealing size xxl , orange lingerie! an anonymous crimson tide fan reported seeing this. "him wuz howldin dem purdy lidl ornge paynteez up like heza tryin em own" said the fan whom spoke on conditions of anonymity. apparently orgeron who was currently employed by the new orleans saints, has a fetish with lingerie, and theiving. "he sho do lik dem fancy undies, wooowee"!, said remy fontain, a child hood friend of orgerons from louisianna. mall security would not respond to questioning about the incident. mrs taylor , manager of the store said she is a vol fan and "if thats what coach likes to do in his spare time its none of my business, as long as he produces results on the field". more on this story as news breaks.
in recruiting news every single high school coach in the states of georgia and north carolina have come up with a pact and a vow, to never let another player from their state attend the university of tennessee ever again. these bills are now being passed through the states respective legislature. said north carolina long time high school coach steve jackson " i detest that university and the new coaching staff" jackson has coached south hilltown high for 18 yrs. looks like ut will have their work cut out for them in the future! hey KNS im still waiting on that application! all of this is false and is pure nonsense, i dont want to get sued , i lied about all of this!
vtvol#210290 writes:
I thought the same thing but Mark May makes many people look small.
gobigorange8464 writes:
I'd walk into battle with Monte anyday. That dude is intense.
gohawks1 writes:
He's definitely wired. Drinks non-caf coffee black with all meals, I'm guessing.
gohawks1 writes:
Oops. Scratch the non-caf part...
SuperVolfan writes:
Monte Kiffin gives Chuck Norris pep talks. He makes Richard Simmons seem like he's on valium. The season can't get here fast enough. I freakin love it!!!
bluetick writes:
Orgeron just looks guilty of something. Has he already made a violation or is Lanes wife sitting in the front row and he's thinking about a violation.
cobbwebb writes:
bluetick please see my previous post!
TitoSambora writes:
Sold.
I'm really starting to love Kiffin. Go Vols!!!
VOL_FREAK_91 writes:
Hey Mentalist the last 2 posts i read from you were hilarious!!! CANT WAIT FOR THE SEASON TO START!!!
allvol9 writes:
Wow...Monte has gotten me pumped up. Love his passion and intensity. Can't wait for the Orange/White game. Monte and Orgeron....so glad to have you as Vols!
txvolsfan writes:
I bet Gatorzz and bama already got their ticket!!!
VOL_FREAK_91 writes:
Ditto all vol I was so pumped after watching that press conference that I almost started jumping up and down and the I realized I had my laptop in my lap!
JohnnyVol writes:
Tommy...check this out...
http://www.govolsxtra.com/voicesheard...
yeavols#228407 writes:
I stayed up late to make this announcement. I just want to give my sincerest and deepest apologies to my dearest Alabama fans everywhere across America and especially those that come into our forum and onto our chat boards. I am offering my condolences to Alabama and their coach for their Much deserved LOSS to Utah and how they got smoked like a Cuban cigar in the 1st quarter (21-0) and that their feeble attempt to come back in the 4th was disasterous. The greatest reward out of all of that is that the Bama blow hards like South Carolina won't be on our boards. The better news yet is that one more game looms to run out the rest of the blow hards that come here and talk smack. Lastly, I would much rather stay home than take a beating on national television. Have a great new year!
rabidvol1998 writes:
Agreed.
cobbwebb writes:
this is in no way a slap in the face to our friend bama987, but i will never , refuse, to pull for bama in football, or memphis in basketball, actually either one in any sport! i find it hard to do this because im a vol fan , but also an sec fan. really its quite easy to root against them! no hard feelings bama987!
rabidvol1998 writes:
ditto.
invisiblekid writes:
Leave it to 'Bama to ruin a perfect day for the SEC.I don't think they were used to getting smacked in the mouth first.
Chartervol writes:
Didn't watch a down of Alabama's game. Won't waste my time on them. Guess the Mullet Nation didn't get to sing Rammer Jammer tonight.
rabidvol1998 writes:
Especially if OK and Texas win.
OK
Tesas who beat OK
USC
Utah - Undefeated
Lot's of arguing.
This also shows a 4 team would not even work. Need 8 at least.
Chartervol writes:
Well, let's see here. Alabama was ranked number one more weeks than anyone else this year. That makes them National Champions in the Bessemer Coupon Clipper poll. Run up number 13!
BigOrangeInCarolina writes:
Satan is not setting a very nice example for the youth of today and whomever else is watching this game. Seems every shot they get of him, he's picking his nose or mouthing the GD word. What a week!!! If the Vols can't be winning a bowl this year, the next best thing is for Spurrier and Satan to get their rear-ends handed to them by teams they are supposed to beat, all on national TV. My guess is that some of the Bammer players will have their Escalades confiscated and will be restricted to relations with girls from the fat and lesbian sororities on campus until they get their act together and play like the highly paid players they are.
sameolvolalum writes:
Utes should be #1. Spurrier: eat it!
'bama: bite it! Gaytards: had it! Go Sooners! Vandy, Kentucky, Ole Miss, LSU------even Jawja: Way to go and do the SEC proud!
kwvolsfan writes:
JohnnyVol, can't get the audio feed to download to my puter...can you give me a brief on what they said?
Thanks
FWBVol writes:
I still have some concerns about Orgeron, but I'm cautiously optimistic. I do like the fact that he knows the lay of the land in the SEC and has ties in Memphis that should help the Vols win some recruiting battles.
I think Monte will be the best quote at UT. If not better than Bruce Pearl, he'll give Pearl a run for his money on quotes.
But more than that, because of Monte's background haveing grown up in Nebraska and played for Nebraska, he's been in a situation very similar to Tennessee. The state doesn't produce huge numbers of high school players, and, though things have changed some with the Titans, the Cornhuskers like the Vols are the biggest draw in the state.
NorthwestVol writes:
Request for opinions:
Was Bama overconfident and/or unprepared or simply over matched?
Regardless, Utah looked good.
TopperVol75 writes:
I feel the first quarter they were out-schemed. The no-huddle offense and the pass instead of the run.
Also, I feel the team speed of Utah really suprised Bama.
Later on, they simply went toe to toe and matched them physically, which I didn't think they had a chance in hell of doing.
Just another reason of why I am not a gambling man.
Go Vols.
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