Wade Phillips was born on June 21, 1947, in Orange, Texas. He was born into a football family, as his father Bum Phillips was a well-known football coach who led the Houston Oilers in the 1970s. Wade followed in his father's footsteps and developed a passion for the game at a young age.
Phillips attended the University of Houston, where he played college football as a linebacker. He was known for his exceptional play on the field and held a record for career assisted tackles at the university. His time at Houston helped shape him into the talented football coach he would eventually become.
Phillips began his coaching career in the NFL as a linebackers coach for the Houston Oilers in 1976. He quickly made a name for himself as a skilled defensive coach and worked his way up the coaching ranks. He later served as defensive coordinator for several NFL teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos.
Phillips had his first head coaching opportunity with the Denver Broncos in 1993. He coached the team for two seasons before moving on to coach the Buffalo Bills from 1998 to 2000. In 2007, Phillips was named the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. He led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record in his first season but was unable to secure a playoff win.
After his time with the Cowboys, Phillips went on to work as the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans from 2011 to 2013. He also stepped in as the team's interim head coach for the 2013 season. Throughout his coaching career, Phillips was known for his innovative defensive strategies and ability to develop talented players.
Wade Phillips made a significant impact on the NFL through his coaching career. He was respected by players and fellow coaches alike for his knowledge of the game and his ability to motivate and lead teams to success. Phillips helped develop quarterbacks like Tony Romo during his time with the Cowboys, showcasing his talent for mentoring players.
Overall, Wade Phillips is remembered as a dedicated coach who left a lasting impression on the teams he worked with. His legacy in the NFL continues to be celebrated by fans and players alike.