Wade Phillips: NFL Head Coach Biography

Wade Phillips is a highly respected American football coach, renowned for his expertise on defense and his long-standing career in both the NFL and college football. Born on June 21, 1947, in Orange, Texas, Phillips is the son of legendary coach Bum Phillips, and has spent his life immersed in football.

Playing Career

• Played as a linebacker at the University of Houston (1966–1968).

Coaching Career

• Began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Houston under Bill Yeoman and later served as an assistant at Oklahoma State and Kansas.
• Entered the NFL in 1976 as the linebackers coach for the Houston Oilers (under his father).
• Defensive coordinator for several NFL teams, including:
  • New Orleans Saints (1981–1985)
  • Philadelphia Eagles (1986–1988)
  • Denver Broncos (1989–1992, 2015–2016)
  • Buffalo Bills (1995–1997)
  • Atlanta Falcons (2002–2003)
  • San Diego Chargers (2004–2006)
  • Houston Texans (2011–2013)
  • Los Angeles Rams (2017–2019)
• Served as head coach or interim head coach for multiple NFL teams:
  • Denver Broncos (1993–1994)
  • Buffalo Bills (1998–2000)
  • Atlanta Falcons (interim, 2003)
  • Dallas Cowboys (2007–2010)

Accomplishments and Highlights

• Widely considered one of the best defensive minds in NFL history.
• Helped lead the Denver Broncos to victory in Super Bowl 50 as defensive coordinator (2015 season).
• Coached the Los Angeles Rams’ defense during their 2018 Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl LIII).
• As head coach, compiled an overall regular season record of 82–64.
• Known for his “player-friendly” approach and ability to quickly improve defensive units.
• Coached numerous Hall of Fame players, including Reggie White, Bruce Smith, J.J. Watt, and Von Miller.

Personal and Legacy

• Son of Bum Phillips, former Oilers and Saints head coach.
• Continues to be involved in professional football, most recently as head coach of the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL (2023).
• Respected for both his coaching acumen and his wit, often sharing humorous and insightful quotes about football and life.

Wade Phillips’s extensive career and lasting impact on NFL defenses make him one of the league’s most enduring and beloved coaches.

Legacy & Career Overview

Wade Phillips: A Storied NFL Coaching Legacy

Wade Phillips is one of the most respected and well-traveled coaches in the history of the National Football League (NFL), renowned for his defensive expertise and ability to turn around struggling units. Born on June 21, 1947, in Orange, Texas, Phillips grew up in a football family. His father, Bum Phillips, was a celebrated NFL coach, most notably with the Houston Oilers and the New Orleans Saints. Wade followed in his father's footsteps, carving out a distinguished career spanning over five decades in professional and collegiate football.

Early Life and Playing Career

Phillips attended the University of Houston, where he played as a linebacker from 1966 to
1968. While he was not an NFL player himself, his football intelligence and love for the game were apparent early on, setting the stage for his future in coaching. After graduating, Phillips immediately transitioned into coaching, starting at the high school and college levels before joining the professional ranks.

Coaching Beginnings and Early NFL Years

Wade Phillips began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Houston before moving to Oklahoma State and then the University of Kansas. He entered the NFL in 1976 as the linebackers coach for the Houston Oilers under his father. Phillips quickly developed a reputation for his defensive acumen, helping the Oilers become one of the league's toughest defensive squads.

Phillips served as defensive line coach and later defensive coordinator for several teams throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, including the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles. His impact was often immediate, with his units frequently ranking among the league leaders in key defensive categories.

Defensive Mastermind & NFL Coordinator Success

Phillips' greatest strength has always been his work as a defensive coordinator. He is credited with popularizing the aggressive 3-4 defense and has overseen some of the most dominant defenses in recent NFL history. Notably, as the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos (1989–1992 and again 2015–2016), Buffalo Bills (1995–1997), and Los Angeles Rams (2017–2019), Phillips orchestrated formidable defensive units.

• Super Bowl 50 Champion: As defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos in 2015, Phillips masterminded one of the most dominant playoff runs in NFL history, culminating in a victory at Super Bowl
  50. The Broncos' defense, led by Von Miller, overwhelmed opponents, including a decisive performance against the Carolina Panthers in the championship game.
• Multiple Top-10 Finishes: During his coordinator stints, Phillips' defenses often ranked in the top 10 for both scoring and yardage allowed, and he has coached numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro players.

Head Coaching Career

Though best known as a defensive coordinator, Phillips also enjoyed several stints as an NFL head coach and interim head coach:

• Denver Broncos (1993–1994): Phillips was named head coach after serving as defensive coordinator. In two seasons, he compiled a 16-16 record but was let go after missing the playoffs.
• Buffalo Bills (1998–2000): Phillips led the Bills to the playoffs in two of his three seasons, highlighted by a 29-19 regular-season record. He is perhaps most remembered for the controversial "Music City Miracle" loss to the Tennessee Titans in the 1999 Wild Card round.
• Dallas Cowboys (2007–2010): Phillips took over a talented Cowboys team and led them to an NFC East title and a 13-3 record in
  2007. In 2009, he guided Dallas to their first playoff win in 13 years. He finished his Cowboys tenure with a 34-22 record before being dismissed during a disappointing 2010 season.
• Interim Head Coach: Phillips also served as interim head coach for the New Orleans Saints (1985), Atlanta Falcons (2003), and Houston Texans (2013), demonstrating his ability to command respect and quickly stabilize teams in transition.

Coaching Tree, Philosophy, and Legacy

Wade Phillips is widely admired for his straightforward communication style, player-friendly approach, and deep understanding of defensive football. Many of his former assistants and players have gone on to successful coaching careers, and his schemes continue to influence NFL defenses today.

Phillips is also known for his affable personality, southern charm, and sense of humor, traits that have made him a beloved figure in the league. He has written books about his football philosophy, including "Son of Bum: Lessons My Dad Taught Me About Football and Life", which pays tribute to his father and the values instilled in him.

Relevant Facts & Accomplishments

• Total Head Coaching Record (NFL): 82–64 (including playoffs)
• Super Bowl Titles: 1 (Super Bowl 50, as Defensive Coordinator)
• Playoff Appearances: 5 as a head coach
• Notable Defenses: Orchestrated multiple top-5 defenses and coached Hall of Famers such as Reggie White, Bruce Smith, Von Miller, and Aaron Donald.
• Longevity: Over 40 years coaching in the NFL.
• Legacy: Known for adaptability, defensive innovation, and beloved status among players and fans alike.

Conclusion

Wade Phillips' career stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and football intelligence. While he never won a Super Bowl as a head coach, his impact on the league, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, is immense. He remains a beloved figure in the NFL community, respected by peers, players, and fans for his contributions to the game and his approachable, down-to-earth demeanor.