Phillips began his coaching career in the high school and college ranks before transitioning to the NFL. He first joined the San Diego Chargers as a defensive coordinator in 1967. However, it was his time with the Houston Oilers that truly defined his career. He was appointed as the team's defensive coordinator in 1974, and a year later, he was promoted to head coach.
Under Phillips' leadership, the Oilers experienced a period of success. He led the team to back-to-back appearances in the AFC Championship games in 1978 and 1979, both times falling short to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite not reaching the Super Bowl, Phillips was celebrated for his ability to build a competitive team. His coaching style was characterized by a strong emphasis on defense, and he was instrumental in developing the "3-4 defense" scheme, which is widely used in the NFL today.
Phillips was known for his close relationship with his players, often referring to them as his "boys". He was a beloved figure in Houston, known for his cowboy hat and boots, and his down-to-earth, folksy demeanor. His famous quote, "There's two kinds of coaches, them that's fired and them that's gonna be fired", reflects his humor and realistic approach to the often precarious nature of coaching in the NFL.
After his stint with the Oilers, Phillips moved on to coach the New Orleans Saints in 1981. He served as the team's head coach for four and a half seasons, but was unable to replicate the success he had in Houston. He retired from coaching midway through the 1985 season.
Despite not winning a Super Bowl, Phillips left a lasting legacy in the NFL. His innovative defensive strategies, player-friendly coaching style, and larger-than-life personality made him one of the most memorable figures in the league. His son, Wade Phillips, followed in his footsteps and has had a successful coaching career in the NFL as well. Bum Phillips passed away in 2013, but his impact on the game of football continues to be felt.
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