Monte Kiffin resigning as USC defensive coordinator

USC defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin announced Thursday he will resign following the Trojans bowl game “to pursue opportunities in the NFL.”

Kiffin, who spent three seasons as the Trojans defensive coordinator, came under scruitnity recently as USC struggled down the stretch, including giving up the highest points total in Trojans history to Oregon. The father of USC head coach Lane Kiffin, Monte has served as a defensive coordinator at the NFL or college level since 1995.

The younger Kiffin, in a statement:

“I wanted to make this announcement now so that our players who are preparing for the bowl game and our recruits who will be visiting campus are aware,” said Kiffin. “I really enjoyed my time at USC and the opportunity I had to work with our players and coaches. The chance to work for my son, Lane, was unique and memorable, but we always treated each other professionally on a coach-to-coach basis.

“Although things didn’t always go as well as we would have liked this year from a defensive and win-loss standpoint, I will leave USC with the utmost respect for the University, the Trojan Family and, most importantly, the players I had the good fortune to coach. I see great things ahead for the USC football program.”

”I respect my father’s decision and his desire to return to the NFL. We are very appreciative of the hard work and effort that he put in at USC these past three years. He has a tremendous passion for coaching young men and he is a phenomenal recruiter.

“The timing of this allows us to move forward now in the hiring of a new coach.”

Monte Kiffin said he wanted to make the announcement now so the current players and potential recruits would be aware of the situation. He said he enjoyed his time at USC and working with his son. He has 47 years of coaching experience, including 26 years in the NFL.

UCS ranked 63rd in the country in total defense this season, allowing 396.1 yards per game. Lane Kiffin said the timing would also allow the Trojans to move forward in hiring a new coach.

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