LOS ANGELES — Southern California assistant head coach Monte Kiffin has resigned from his son's coaching staff after a miserable season for the Trojans' defense.

Lane Kiffin announced Wednesday night that his father will leave USC to pursue an NFL return after the Trojans' bowl game next month.

The 72-year-old Monte Kiffin is considered one of the most influential defensive coaches in recent football history, constructing the Tampa-2 defense during his time with the Buccaneers. He joined the USC staff when Lane Kiffin took over the program three years ago.

But Monte Kiffin received withering criticism for USC's defensive performance this season. USC yielded 178 points while losing four of its final five games this season, plummeting out of the Top 25 after beginning the year at No. 1.