If you are a fan of American football, you might have heard of the names Wade Phillips and Bum Phillips. They are both well-known coaches who have had successful careers in the National Football League (NFL). But are they related? And if so, how?
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The answer is yes, they are father and son.
Wade Phillips is the son of Bum Phillips, who was also his mentor and inspiration. Bum Phillips was born as Oail Andrew Phillips Jr. on September 29, 1923, in Orange, Texas. He got his nickname “Bum” from his younger sister, who could not pronounce “brother” properly
Bum Phillips played football at Lamar University and Stephen F. Austin State University, before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He became one of the elite Marine Raiders, who were trained for special operations
After the war, he returned to coaching football at various high schools and colleges in Texas, including Texas A&M University, where he worked under the legendary Bear Bryant. He also coached at the University of Houston, Southern Methodist University, and Oklahoma State University
He entered the NFL in 1967 as a defensive assistant for the San Diego Chargers, under another Hall of Fame coach, Sid Gillman. He followed Gillman to the Houston Oilers in 1973, where he became the defensive coordinator. In 1975, he was promoted to head coach of the Oilers, and led them to two consecutive AFC Championship games in 1978 and 1979, losing both times to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was known for his folksy personality, his cowboy hat and boots, and his motto “Luv Ya Blue”, which endeared him to the Oilers fans
He left the Oilers after the 1980 season and became the head coach of the New Orleans Saints in 1981. He coached there until 1985, when he resigned after a 4-8 start. His son Wade took over as the interim head coach for the remaining four games of that season
Bum Phillips retired from coaching after that, but remained active in various charitable causes and ranching activities. He also wrote his memoirs, titled “Bum Phillips: Coach, Cowboy, Christian”. He passed away on October 18, 2013, at the age of 90
Wade Phillips followed his father’s footsteps into coaching.
Wade Phillips was born on June 21, 1947, in Orange, Texas. He attended Port Neches–Groves High School, where he played football as a linebacker. He then went to the University of Houston, where he was a three-year starter and set a school record for career assisted tackles
He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Houston in 1969, and then coached at various high schools and colleges in Texas. He joined his father at Oklahoma State in 1973 as a linebackers coach, and then followed him to the Houston Oilers in 1976 as a defensive line coach. He stayed with the Oilers until 1980, when he became the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints under his father. He also served as the interim head coach for the Saints in 1985 after his father resigned
He then moved on to other NFL teams as a defensive coordinator or a head coach. He coached for the Philadelphia Eagles (1986-1988), Denver Broncos (1989-1994), Buffalo Bills (1995-2000), Atlanta Falcons (2002-2003), San Diego Chargers (2004-2006), Dallas Cowboys (2007-2010), Houston Texans (2011-2013), Denver Broncos again (2015-2016), Los Angeles Rams (2017-2019), and Houston Roughnecks of the XFL (2023-present)
He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive minds in NFL history, having coached several players who won Defensive Player of the Year or Defensive Rookie of the Year awards under his system. He also won Super Bowl 50 as the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 2016. He was named AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year that same year
He has also paid homage to his father on several occasions by wearing his cowboy hat and boots or by quoting his sayings. He wrote a book about his father and his own coaching career in 2020, titled “Son of Bum: Lessons My Dad Taught Me About Football and Life”
Conclusion
Wade Phillips and Bum Phillips are indeed related, as they are father and son. They are both respected and successful coaches in the NFL, who have influenced many players and teams with their defensive schemes and their personalities. They are also proud Texans who share a love for football and family.
