All good things must come to an end.

Monte Kiffin! What thoughts come to your mind when you hear those words? That name? Monte Kiffin ...... hmmmm? Admiration, class, brilliance, success, leader, innovator, mastermind, pioneer, Tampa 2. Anyone remember the name Richard Jewell? Probably not. Even if you do remember the name, it seems like a long forgotten memory. For those of you who aren't familiar with the name, Richard Jewell was the security guard accused of the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, during the 1996 Olympics.

1996 was a long time ago. Even for the people who remember Richard Jewell and 1996 it seems to be a hazy and distant memory. Hard to believe that Monte Kiffin has been the wizard behind the curtain of the Buccaneer's defense for that long. But he has, and he has done a very good job. There have been many men to learn and serve under Monte Kiffin. Some have moved on to bigger and better things, and some have just moved on.

Lovie Smith, former Buccaneer linebackers coach. Herman Edwards, former defensive backs coach. Rod Marinelli, former defensive line coach. Mike Tomlin, former defensive backs coach. All these men are all currently holding positions at a level above Monte Kiffin, and yet none of them would be where they are today without Monte Kiffin. Monte groomed these men, taught these men, shaped and molded these men.

Monte has guided future Hall of Famers Derrick Brooks, Hardy Nickerson, Warren Sapp and John Lynch. He has instructed Pro Bowlers Ronde Barber, Simeon Rice and Shelton Quarels. Kiffen has led the Buccaneers to eleven top ten defensive rankings in twelve years. He is a man to be loved, respected, worshiped and cherished by Buccaneer fans around the globe.

With that being said, there is an old saying that points out, "All good things must come to an end." Monte Kiffin can't be the defensive coordinator forever. We'd all like that, but it's simply impossible. When is it time to let go? Coaches have moved on, and we would never begrudge a man for wanting to improve and better himself. We would never begrudge a man for wanting to advance in his chosen career. The fact is though, we have lost many a men that could have been nice replacements for Monte Kiffin.

As I write this article, Monte has signed his offer of extension by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but what does the future hold? Monte is no spring chicken, and his time with the Buccs has to be drawing to a close. The question you have to ask yourself is, would you rather risk losing another prospective replacement or let Monte end his career on his own terms? Do you want to risk losing a viable replacement who can succeed Kiffen for the next decade and let Kiffin stay until he feels like it's time, or do you move on without Kiffin?

It's a tough question. It all depends on what each individual fans feels is more important, but it certainly is a question that has to be addressed. It's hard to let go sometimes, especially to someome who has brought you fond memories and pride. Sometimes you have to make tough choices for the greater good of the task at hand. Either way, and no matter what happens Kiffin will be loved forever by Buccaneers fans everywhere.
...JJC/ABuccsFan