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USC Assistant Coach Monte Kiffin to Resign

USC defensive assistant coach Monte Kiffin plans to step down after the Trojans' bowl game.

USC defensive assistant coach Monte Kiffin will resign following the Trojans' bowl game, the school announced in a statement Thursday night.

Monte Kiffin, the father of head coach Lane Kiffin, intents to "pursue opportunities in the NFL," according to the statement. Monte spent 26 seasons as a coach in the NFL, where he popularized the "Tampa-Two" defense.

"I wanted to make this announcement now so that our players

Monte Kiffin, left, calls plays from the coaches box during the USC fall scrimmage
Monte Kiffin, left, calls plays from the coaches box during the USC fall scrimmage
who are preparing for the bowl game and our recruits who will be visiting campus are aware," said Monte 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."

While not officially in title, Monte Kiffin essentially served as USC's defensive coordinator during his three years at Troy, calling plays from up in the press box.

Said Lane Kiffin, "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 USC defense struggled this year, giving up nearly 400 yards per game and ranking 63rd in total defense. Missed tackles plauged the Trojans all year, and on Nov. 3 against Oregon the defense gave up a USC record 62 points, nine touchdowns and 730 yards.

"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," said Monte Kiffin. "I see great things ahead for the USC football program."

The Trojans plan to find a replacement for the 72-year-old coach.

Said Lane Kiffin, "The timing of this allows us to move forward now in the hiring of a new coach."

RELATED: Full USC press release

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