Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has been informed he will not be retained, a person with knowledge of the situation said.
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) January 6, 2020
The Los Angeles Rams are making a big change to their coaching staff this offseason. According to Gary Klein of the L.A. Times, the Rams have informed Wade Phillips that he will not be back as the team’s defensive coordinator. The report was confirmed by ESPN.
There were reports that Phillips wouldn’t return in 2020 with his contract expiring after this past season, opening the door for the Rams to move on. Sean McVay has decided to make a change after three seasons of ranking in the middle of the pack defensively.
In three years under Phillips, the Rams never finished in the top 10 in points or yards allowed. In 2019, they finished 17th in points and 13th in yards allowed.
The Rams went 9-7 this season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The defense played relatively well in the second half of the season, allowing 20 points or fewer in seven of their last 11 games.
With Phillips out, expect there to be further changes on the defensive side of the ball once the Rams hire a new coordinator. Additionally, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN is reporting that assistant coaches are candidates for positions at the college level.
According to sources, don't expect any other shakeups on the defensive side of the ball today. However, once a new defensive coordinator is named, the staff will be evaluated. Also, some assistants are among candidates for positions at college level, so could be further changes.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) January 6, 2020
Linebackers coach Joe Barry and cornerbacks coach Aubrey Pleasant should be in consideration as replacements for Phillips if the Rams hire from within.
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