Lane Kiffin would buy a ticket to the Tennessee-UCLA game if he didn’t have to be on the sidelines.
Kiffin’s grin beamed in the Neyland-Thompson Sports Complex on Thursday when asked about the Saturday’s match-up between his father, UT defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, and UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow.
“It’s like a legend's game,” Kiffin joked, “(like) when they have a baseball game or the basketball game when they bring the legends back.
“When you think about how decorated both of them are. It’s an unbelievable match-up. And they know each other a little bit.”
The two coaches know each other through Lane Kiffin. Monte Kiffin would visit Southern California when Chow was on the staff to help the Trojans prepare.
But a legend's game?
“I guess all he’s really saying is it’s two old guys, right?” Chow joked on the News Sentinel’s radio show, The Sports Page.
Monte Kiffin seemed only mildly amused at his son’s comment.
“I don’t know where he came up with that,” the elder Kiffin said. “Norm Chow is a legend. I’m just coaching some ball.”
This isn’t the first time the two coached against each other. Chow made his NFL coaching debut in 2005 with the Tennessee Titans against Monte Kiffin when he was defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I recall they beat me pretty good,” Kiffin said.
Not exactly. The Titans lost 20-17 to the Bucs but held the ball for over 17 minutes in the first half, when NFL exhibition games matter most.
Saturday’s game between the two will be the first game to actually mean something. Their resumes are impressive.
Chow won three national coach of the year awards in 2002 and was named the National Assistant Coach of the Year in 1999 by the American Football Foundation.
He is known for developing quarterbacks such as Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Ty Detmer, Phillip Rivers, Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart in his 30-plus years as a college assistant.
As for Kiffin’s three-plus decades, he won a Super Bowl in 2003, is considered the architect of the Tampa 2 defense and was widely considered one of the best coordinators in the NFL when he left the Bucs to join UT’s staff.
Yet the two have been more comrades than rivals throughout their illustrious careers.
Monte Kiffin was often in Los Angeles during the off-season, visiting his son and helping USC’s staff (with Chow as the offensive coordinator) prepare, often for crosstown rivals UCLA.
“He ended up teaching us how to beat them,” Lane Kiffin said.
Monte Kiffin even sat in the press box on some Trojan Orange Bowls when his Bucs had a late season bye before the playoffs.
“Without question he is a tremendous, tremendous football coach,” Chow said, “and somebody that’s going to cause us a lot of problems. Believe me, we’ve spent a lot of late nights here trying to figure this thing out.”
Monte Kiffin was equally as gracious of Chow — in his own way.
“If he missed the flight or something, it wouldn’t hurt my feelings,” Kiffin joked.
Yet Kiffin insists he’s not any more excited to play Chow as he was to topple Western Kentucky in the season opener last Saturday.
“I was jazzed up last week for Western Kentucky,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who you’re playing. It doesn’t matter who the coordinators are.
“Like I tell the team, you’re judged on 12 (Saturdays) in college and you can’t get them back. That’s the way we’ve got to approach every game.”
Lane Kiffin said that type of professional approach is what he tries to teach his players everyday.
“He’s going to sleep here (in the athletic complex) no matter who were playing,” Lane Kiffin said of his father. “He’s still making just as many notes.
“He researches it the same way no matter who it is.”
Chow said he appreciates the Tampa 2 defense but said Monte Kiffin is as much about teaching players as he is about developing scheme.
“He’s coached his guys so well,” Chow said. “I’m not so sure it’s the scheme itself. It’s the little nuances within the scheme where Monte has the advantage over us because he understands that.”
One gets the feeling that the chess match between Monte Kiffin and Chow began long before Saturday’s kickoff.
“I don’t know if they showed everything last week or not,” Monte Kiffin said, referring to UCLA 33-14 season-opening win against San Diego State. “They didn’t do much three wide (receivers) last week. I don’t know if that’s going to be the plan for the year.
“They have a really good tight end. They could be using that guy as a third wide receiver. Just depends on how the game gets going, then you’ve got to make some adjustments.”
With Monte Kiffin wondering aloud if Chow played possum, it’s only natural to wonder the same about the Vols.
“I’m not holding anything back,” Monte Kiffin quickly retorted.
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Comments » 39
BillsBrother writes:
The chess match between these two will be very interesting...for the 1st quarter.
Then the Vols will start lighting the scoreboard!
VolinCalif writes:
Like Poo you didn't hold anything back. That was third string players in the 4th.
VolinCalif writes:
BB I think we're alone tonight. Now now don't get the wrong idea. Sat is going to be a great game, I think it may be close because the two teams have so much in common. But I believe UT wins and that will kick start us to a great season. I didn't see anything with the other SEC teams that made them unbeatable. But I didn't see the Fl game. Not saying we will beat Fl but if we play as good as last week we sure have a good chance.
JSamson7 writes:
If Chow doesn't get some help from his special teams on Saturday, he might have a different slant to those eyes of his. I'm not talking about your typical Asian kind, but more like in a state of amazement at how inefficient his offense looks. For all his accomplishments in college, he never produced the same results for the Titans. He doesn't have a "sane" VY to bail him out when nothing's there, no true run threat to speak of either, and their defense is just decent. I'm saying Vols by AT LEAST by 21 and 4 turnovers by Monte's defense. I'll even go out on a limb and predict Berry breaks the record this game too, just in time for the Gators...
GO VOLS!!!
GahLee writes:
Lots of bad blood to be had in this one...ultimately UT's team speed and big play-makers will be the difference...freshmen QB making first road start...Vols win by 3 td's.
VolinCalif writes:
I don't know about 21 pts, Adam but 14 would still be great. Went to both schools and though I am a Vol first UCLA has been my west coast team for over 40 yrs. They are always a team to watch out for, with last year being a exception. I believe both schools will be ranked in the top 20 at the end of the season. Wish I could be there this year I was there last year and am still crying.
tennezz writes:
This has got to be the best coaching staff I have ever seen. We would have had a close game against WK and Crompton would still be a basket case if the previous coaching staff was still here!
snafu14u#241639 writes:
The game is going to be alot tighter than you guys give UCLA credit for. Typical. Score is going to be closer to 21-18. Eric Berry will be the difference. Go Big Orange. Bonzaivol
Vols4Ever writes:
This is the real Legend of this game
Bad blood goes way back in this series, although few posting will probably even know about this game 44 years ago ....
UCLA then faced Tennessee in the newly built Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee, Prothro's native city. On the last play of the game, Tennessee defensive back Bob Petrella intercepted a UCLA pass to save a Volunteer win by a score of 37-34. Coach Prothro, was uncharacteristically upset. He criticized a pass interference call, claimed that the clock had been wrongly stopped twice on Tennessee's winning drive, and said that a dropped pass was a lateral and a fumble. He stated, "For the first time in my life, I am ashamed to be a Southerner."[4]
Doesn't even mention the touchdown that wasn't.
Welcome back to Tennessee, Bruins.
kenanvanhalen07 writes:
id say as long as tennesse can run the ball, then the passing game will open up. that ucla defense doesnt scare me. im confident tennesse's offense will get the job done....and maybe even easily.
GreeneVol_TN writes:
I think both of these guys were playing vanilla last week and if Tenn jumps on UCLA early you still won't see everything the Vol defense has to offer. The fun schemes will be reserved for Sept 19 when it really matters. Besides I think we looked really sharp Saturday no matter who the opponent was.
GO VOLS!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I'm going with 36-16.
Frosh QB for UCLA SHOULD struggle.
We must avoid the early picks if somehow we can look off the WR's.
UCLA will read Crompton's eyes from the snap.
cloudodust writes:
Many good games between UT-UCLA over the years. Can't expect UCLA to roll over, but UT has revenge on it's mind. Tennessee leads series what, 7-5-2..? What we saw against WK was CLK experimenting with personnel on all phases of the game. Thankfully this year UT had that luxury. The season begins anew tomorrow afternoon. Smack 'em in the mouf. 27-13 Tennessee...Go Vols
Madkels writes:
Should be a good one. Let's make sure that VOL fans stay jacked to the max for the entire game. If we make a mistake early...tipped pass for an int., don't get down. Be proud and loud!
DrWitch writes:
DrWitch say Chow good...Monte better. DrWitch want big plays to keep ball away from Chow. Bones never lie.
OrangeMandM writes:
I agree with this. CLK is trying to make a point and alot of these players have to be thinking revenge. UT wins BIG! GO VOLS!!
Cldvols1 writes:
Honestly, I would hate to be a freshman quarterback playing my first road game in Neyland Stadium with Vol fans out for revenge for last years debacle. The inexperience and the crowd will be too much for Prince to handle which will lead to a 41-14 UT victory! V,O,L,S Go Vols Go!!!
TommyJack writes:
I like your 'tude, BB. Can't imagine it will be that easy. Hope I'm worng.
jakethevolguy writes:
Tennessee 35
UCLA 10
DC_Vol writes:
A great compliment from one of the best offensive coordinators in the game.
Without question he is a tremendous, tremendous football coach,” Chow said, “and somebody that’s going to cause us a lot of problems. Believe me, we’ve spent a lot of late nights here trying to figure this thing out.”
I love the respect Chow gives Monte. Chow knows he is preparing against one of the greatest Defensive Coordinators in the game. I can't wait to see what Monte has up his sleeve for Florida.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
With a senior off. line and 4 very good running backs, I think it will be close early but the fresh legs will blow it open late 3rd qtr and 4th qtr. I think Crompton has his problems licked.
38-10
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
oh yeah, UT the winner
VolinCalif writes:
Also the UCLA NG put his foot on the football to prevent the center snapping the ball. That was why the clock was stopped. Yes Tommy boy was a humper alright. he was a good coach at both OS and UCLA. Watched Warren and Gary Beman in their shoot out. Thought the Vols had it won, in the last 30 sec the "Z" sneak by UCLA won the game. Yes I think UCLA will show up for the Sat game.
BigOrangeVol writes:
The Vegas line is now 7.5 - 9.5.
I'm leaning towards 24 -14 as a final.
TommyJack writes:
Kind of agree, Stuck. But I would say it was more Chief's ineptitude as it was Chow's genius. JMO
CHS52VOL writes:
I've been a rabid fan of Vol football for more than 70 years. Born and raised in Chattanooga, but lived in Glendale, CA for 7 years in the 1960's. Saw the 1966 UT VS UCLA game at the Coliseum when Dewey Warren was the Vol QB and Gary Beban the UCLA QB. We lost to UCLA (16 - 10?) but it was a exciting game.
Anyone who thinks west coast football is not on par with the SEC is badly mistaken. Saw SC play many times when O.J. Simpson played. SC, UCLA CAL, etc in any given year can play with anybody. We will win Saturday, but we will know that we have been in a football game. GBO!
CHARLIEDONTSURF writes:
the line was 11 last year. What was the final score?
VolunteerLifer writes:
M Kiffen to Norm Chow at the postgame handshake after Kiffen's defense mops the field with Chow's offense:
"Ciao, baby."
cloudodust writes:
Hey, looks like DeltaCharlie is calling for a Tennessee win tomorrow...
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Really, the only thing movement in the betting line means is that for some reason more people are betting on one team than the other. The bookies adjust the line according to how the betting falls. All this means is that more people--probably UT people, given how many on here seem to think we will kill them--are betting on UT. I think they are probably right to do so, but I would be pleasantly surprised if we beat them by more than two TDs.
Volunatic writes:
Excellent response, NavalOrange.
VolunteerLifer writes:
I know who Tommy Prothro is/was. I was at that game. The first UT game I ever saw. I've been a Volunteer ever since. It was a regular season game, and it featured a Heisman trophy winning QB for UCLA. Gary Beban, I think. It was a hell of an exciting game. I remember how the crowd was roaring louder and louder with each UT touchdown. It was back and forth, a real offensive slugfest if I remember. the Swamp Rat, Dewey Warren, was our QB, I think. Memory is kinda hazy now, cause it is so long ago now. Great memories.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
No, he's just a fan of his team. Look at all the blowout predictions by all the UT fans. Both are wrong, IMHO. We WILL win, but it will be a LOT closer than many Vol fans seem to think.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
What, we might make some defensive adjustments if needed once the game gets started???
Wow, this really is a new era in Tennessee football!!!
Hounddog writes:
Hey Delta Charlie, we are very sorry you have been kicked out of the gator website. We will alow you to "hang out" with us cool guys, no problem. The Hounddog knows exactly that you are trying to get the VOL fans to talk about FL when we have UCLA this week. The Hounddog has been around long enough to see you for the miserable soul that you seem to be. Never can it be said VOL fans are not charitable folks.
Side Note: That warm yellow stream of wet running down your skinny, boney leg...The Hounddog has had his hind leg lifted towards you for awhile now. Enjoy.
Let's play football. Hounddog.
BigOrangeVol writes:
Hooyah Naval!
straightshooter writes:
This game will tell how far UT goes this season. A blowout win will indicate they can compete well with the better teams in the SEC. A tight game and it will likely be a long year, not necessarily a lossing season but no division run or BCS offer in the making. It's only Lane's first year thus I suspect something in-between so lets say, UT 24, UCLA 10. Go VOls!
Vols4Ever writes:
It was a regular season game and the mystery touchdown was by the Swamp Rat. Tommy Prothro was a great coach from the South and was shocked by the officiating (or lack thereof), provoking his comments. This was in the days before replay and games on national TV.
We're fortunate that the Bruins can't relate to that game for motivation. If I was in their camp and had any recollection of their visit to the great state of Tennessee in 1965, I would demand and collect blood.
VOLS must dominate to start our road to regain national recognition.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I'm shocked, shocked I say, that a coach who loses a road game he expected to win would criticize the officials afterward. I remember seeing the game and remember that it was close. No doubt we got a break or two, but we have surely had our share go against us, possibly even some in that very game. I was embarrassed for Prothro after that game. Neither he nor anyone else had any reason that I know of to believe the officials favored us enough to cheat for us. Prothro was always somewhat tightly wound, and as I recall he didn't last long in coaching after that year.
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