Rams Defensive Coordinator Honors Late Father with Incredible Gesture Ahead of Super Bowl
Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips wore his battle gear when he boarded a plane to Atlanta Sunday to go to the Super Bowl LIII to play the Patriots.
To some fans, it might have looked familiar.
Phillips had on a cowboy hat and sheepskin jacket — the same outfit his late father, Bum Phillips, often wore when he roamed the sidelines.
Son of Bum. @sonofbum | #SBLIII pic.twitter.com/uS6iHzVGbh
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 28, 2019
Bum Phillips was the legendary coach of the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints from 1975 to 1985. He died in 2013 at the age of 90.
It’s dad’s jacket!! pic.twitter.com/inSJTRP2TH
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) January 28, 2019
Bum has been a huge influence on Wade, who coached on his father’s staff with both the Oilers and Saints.
@sonofbum wanted to show you this old picture. pic.twitter.com/3NBUs9xPAW
— E.G. (@eggz79) January 24, 2019
Wade’s twitter handle is @SonofBum.
Like a boss. #SBLIII pic.twitter.com/aUyPBZAnr3
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 28, 2019
Wade Phillips has coached in the NFL since 1975 and has been defensive coordinator for the Saints, Eagles, Broncos (twice), Bills, Falcons, Chargers, Texans, and Rams.
He’s been the head coach for the Saints (interim basis), Broncos, Bills, Cowboys, Falcons (interim), and Texans (interim).
A D. !!! pic.twitter.com/rBfgOJW6kP
— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) January 27, 2019
Phillips has a career head coaching record of 84-62 and has made five playoff appearances. He’s gone head-to-head against Patriots coach Bill Belichick many times over the years as both a DC and head coach and has fared pretty well, going 16-17 vs. Belichick, including 4-6 since Belichick has been a head coach.
Bill Belichick has a narrow 17-16 advantage over Wade Phillips since their first meeting in 1981, according to @SportsRadio610 Phillips was DC for his father’s Saints. Belichick was Giants LBs coach under Bill Parcells. Since Belichick became NE head coach he has 6-4 advantage.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) January 25, 2019
“The system has lasted,” Belichick said of Phillip’s defense last week, according to Pro Football Talk.
“I mean, really, this is part of his dad’s system that he’s developed and adapted and developed there. I mean, I have a ton of respect for what he’s done and how he’s done it over every different kind of offense you can see.”
Phillips’ best performance against Belichick was probably in the 2015 AFC Championship game, when the Broncos beat the Pats 20-18 to advance to the Super Bowl, where they defeated the Carolina Panthers.
He’s hoping to channel some of his dad’s magic for Super Bowl LIII.
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