Wade Phillips

Wade Phillips has had a distinguished career spanning many decades in professional football, excelling as a defensive coordinator and head coach across numerous NFL teams and spring football leagues. After an impactful collegiate playing career where he held the University of Houston record for career assisted tackles (228) for 43 years until 2011, Wade Phillips went on to distinguish himself as one of professional football’s most respected defensive minds and head coaches. He began his coaching ascent as a graduate assistant at the University of Houston in 1969, followed by a stint as defensive coordinator at Lutcher Stark High School from 1970 to 1972. His early collegiate coaching experience included roles as linebackers coach at Oklahoma State University (1973-1974) and defensive line coach at the University of Kansas (1975).

Phillips transitioned to professional football with the Houston Oilers in 1976, initially serving as linebackers coach and later as defensive line coach until 1980. Phillips’ extensive NFL career saw him hold defensive coordinator positions with the New Orleans Saints (1981-1985), Philadelphia Eagles (1986-1988), Denver Broncos (1989-1992), Buffalo Bills (1995-1997), Atlanta Falcons (2002-2003), San Diego Chargers (2004-2006), Houston Texans (2011-2013), and Los Angeles Rams (2017-2019). Across these numerous roles, his defensive schemes consistently produced top-ranked units and guided multiple players to prestigious individual accolades. Notably, Reggie White, Bryce Paup, Bruce Smith, J.

Currently, Phillips holds the Head Coach position for the UFL’s San Antonio Brahmas for the 2024 to 2025 seasons, demonstrating his enduring impact and leadership in the sport.