TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers convinced defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin to stay home Thursday by giving him a three-year contract extension that reportedly makes him the highest-paid assistant in the NFL.
Kiffin, the architect of the swarming defense that carried the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl victory, was considered the frontrunner for the San Francisco 49ers coaching job.
No terms were disclosed, but there was a report that the contract is valued at $5.1 million, including a $1.1 million signing bonus.
"Monte has done an outstanding job for us over the last 10 years," Bucs General Manager Rich McKay said. "We are very fortunate that he will continue to lead our defense."
Known for speed and sure tackling, the Buccaneers' defense became the only one other than the 1985 Chicago Bears to lead the NFL in fewest yards allowed, fewest points allowed and most interceptions.
The unit somehow elevated its play in the playoffs, yielding just three rushing touchdowns and returning three interceptions for touchdowns while overwhelming the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII, 48-21.
"I am really happy here with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Glazer family has always been very respectful to me," the 62-year-old Kiffin said.
In 1996, Kiffin came in and had an immediate impact, improving Tampa Bay's defense from 27th to 11th in the league. Since then, Kiffin's ferocious unit has gained recognition as one of the league's best.
That recognition largely eluded Kiffin until this year's post-season run. But after the win over the Raiders, San Francisco asked for and received permission to talk with Kiffin after Steve Mariucci was fired.
"I'm thrilled," said hard-hitting safety John Lynch, a 10-year veteran who has been a part of the Bucs' rise from laughingstocks to champs. "He is the No. 1 coordinator in the league and he has proven it. Players continue to get better playing under him."
