Monte Kiffin steals show with Orgeron

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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 »

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.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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