Kiffin now ranks among elite in pay

TAMPA -- Monte Kiffin presides over the NFL's No. 1 defense. It was only a matter of time before the Bucs made him among the league's top-paid defensive coordinators.

The team announced Friday that Kiffin signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him in Tampa Bay through the 2004 season. Terms were not disclosed, but it is believed Kiffin's contract is close to the three-year, $2.5-million deal signed by Redskins defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis this year. With incentives, Lewis could earn $1-million per season.

"Monte is one of the best defensive coordinators in the league," general manager Rich McKay said. "The continuity of the coaching staff is a priority of this organization, and extending Monte's (contract) is a part of that continuing plan."

Kiffin's extension means the defensive staff is signed through the 2003 season, including line coach Rod Marinelli, who was not given permission to interview for a defensive coordinator position with the Jets and Colts the past two years.

Kiffin, 62, joined the Bucs in 1996 as defensive coordinator under coach Tony Dungy. His defense finished in the league's top 10 in five straight seasons and in the top three in three of those.

Recently, the defense has been at its best, not allowing a touchdown in 12 quarters and yielding just 30 points during the five-game winning streak.

"Keeping Monte Kiffin was the No. 1 priority when I got the job and has remained a priority," coach Jon Gruden said. "I think a great deal of Monte and it will always be a priority to keep him on my staff as long as I'm in Tampa."

DOUGLAS A CHALLENGE: He has tormented quarterbacks and had some huge plays against the Bucs in the past two playoff games.

The offensive line knows it can't let Eagles defensive end Hugh Douglas get to quarterback Brad Johnson on Sunday.

"They line him up on guards, they line him up on tackles, they'll move him around and drop him when they're on a zone blitz," Gruden said. "The guy's a great player and arguably the premier pass rusher in the league right now. I haven't seen everybody, but he certainly has to rank up there with the best of them.

"He's a great player who you strategically try to account for, but that's a lot easier said than done with the way they move him around."

The main difference this season is Bucs left tackle Roman Oben, who played four seasons with the Giants and has had his share of battles with Douglas.

"It's definitely going to be a big challenge for me to do the little things right," Oben said. "He makes the most out of his ability. I played him twice a year when I was in New York and then once when I was in Cleveland. I'm familiar with him personnel-wise, but if the score is up and we have to throw the ball a lot, then their pass rush is on.

"Hopefully, we do well in first and second down, so that third down isn't a race to Brad."

Oben, who signed with the Bucs in the offseason and has started every game, said he has an idea of how to handle Douglas.

"I've always played him hard, physical," said Oben, who watched film of Douglas against George Hegamin and Kenyatta Walker last season. "I've seen him destroy guys and I've seen some guys challenge him physically. The key is to challenge him physically and let him know it's not going to be an easy day."

SAPP AND LYNCH RETURN: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp (left knee sprain) and safety John Lynch (right knee sprain) returned to practice Friday and are expected to start Sunday.

Sapp has been bothered by swelling in his left knee, which Gruden said likely dates to a similar problem he had during training camp. Off to strong start with six sacks and 32 tackles, Sapp's knee doesn't appear to be a concern.

Lynch, who played with discomfort against the Browns, will be back in the lineup but likely won't be 100 percent.

"Those are pretty significant parts of our operation, but other than that, I think we're in pretty good shape," Gruden said.

Safety Dexter Jackson (right turf toe) and defensive tackle Anthony McFarland (left foot strain) are probable.

HE SAID IT: Eagles coach Andy Reid on the Bucs defense: "Monte Kiffin has those guys playing like crazy right now. They are the No. 1 defense in the National Football League. I mean, that speaks for itself."