It appears Lane Kiffin has settled in quite well in his new role as offensive coordinator at Alabama.
First came reports of the former USC head coach singing “Sweet Home Alabama” at a recruits house. Now, his dad, legendary NFL defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, tells us that his normally taciturn son is really excited to be in Tuscaloosa.
“He’s pretty fired up,” the elder Kiffin told AL.com.
How could he not be? After all, Kiffin landed one of the plum assistant coaching jobs in America just a few months after being run out of town on a rail at USC.
But that’s not all Monte had to say about his son. He also chimed in on his character.
“I know him pretty well,” said Monte. “A lot better than most people. I know down deep he’s a good person, contrary to what people might think. Coach Saban wouldn’t have hired him if he didn’t feel the same way.”
Thanks Dad! This may go down as one of the more tepid character endorsements between blood relatives on public record.
Whatever the case, Kiffin has a chance now to prove his critics wrong and turn over a new leaf. It could be that, now that the pressure of being a head coach is gone, his better qualities come to the forefront.
For Alabama’s sake, they better.