Former Houston and New Orleans head coach Bum Phillips died on Friday at the age of 90.
Former Houston Oilers coach Bum Phillips dies
Less than a month after his 90th birthday, Bum Phillips died on Friday.
Jamie Squire
Phillips, the father of current Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, spent 11 seasons as a head coach in the NFL. Known for his trademark cowboy hat, Phillips was considered to be one of the best defensive coaches of his time. The Oilers won at least 10 games in four of his six seasons as the head coach in Houston, including two trips to the AFC Championship game. After leaving Houston, Phillips spent five seasons in New Orleans where he coached the Saints to their second non-losing season in franchise history in 1983.
Phillips also made several stops in the college ranks, coaching under Bear Bryant at Texas A&M for one season in 1958. He also coached at the University of Houston, Southern Methodist and Oklahoma State. He spent one season as a college head coach at Texas Western (Now Texas at El Paso) in 1962.
Phillips battled illness late in his life, including a respiratory ailment earlier this year which forced him in and out of the hospital. Shortly after the news of his father’s passing, Wade tweeted that Bum would be missed by all.
Bum is gone to Heaven-loved and will be missed by all -great Dad,Coach, and Christian
— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) October 19, 2013
Born Oail Andrew Phillips Jr., he got his nickname Bum from his older sister, who stammered and struggled to say the word “brother” according to Phillips’ charity’s website.
More from SB Nation NFL
See More:
