Amid reports that he’ll join his son at the University of Tennessee after his current team’s 2008 season ends, long-time Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin declined to talk about the prospects of working for Lane Kiffin in Knoxville. “No, no,” Kiffin said, according to the Orlando Sentinel. “I don’t want to talk about it.” Bucs coach Jon Gruden didn’t want to talk about it, either. “There’s going to be a lot of speculation,” Gruden said. “That is a big job that Lane got. This was addressed to me a couple weeks ago. It’s an outstanding opportunity for Lane and I’m happy for him. He’s a good coach and a great guy. “Monte can answer those questions. I know this, we don’t want to lose him. He’s my friend, and obviously, I want for Monte to handle those questions. He knows the internal work as to what’s going on. I have said all along I’m a big Tennessee fan, my wife was a cheerleader there and I’m happy for Lane Kiffin. I wish him the best.” The Bucs have a reputation for squatting on assistant coaches who have years remaining on their contracts. It’s unknown whether Monte Kiffin’s contract prevents him from leaving for a college job. It’s also unknown whether the Bucs would hold him to the deal, if he truly wants to leave. “I don’t know if they could prevent it,” a league source told us on Sunday night. “Also, he is 68. How do you say no to a dad coaching with his son? He earned the right.” We agree. Hopefully, the Bucs do, too.
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