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Wade Phillips is out in Los Angeles after the Rams decided not to extend his contract, which expired after the 2019 season. It’s a big move for Sean McVay and the front office, now needing to find a replacement for Phillips at defensive coordinator.
Phillips spent the last three years with the Rams and helped them reach the Super Bowl after the 2018 season, but Los Angeles never ranked inside the top 10 defensively. It’s hard to blame Phillips for the team’s shortcomings this season, though.
At 72 years old, some believed Phillips might retire from coaching and move on to the next chapter of his life, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. He confirmed the news of his departure from the Rams on Twitter Monday, adding that he still believes he can contribute and coach in the NFL.
I have been informed by the Rams that my contract will not be renewed.
I want to thank them for the opportunity to be a part of their success the last 3years. Most of all I want to thank the players who I loved workings with. I still want to coach and feel I can contribute.— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) January 6, 2020
Phillips is still one of the better defensive minds in football, frequently helping turn around teams everywhere he went. He’s been a coach in the NFL since 1976 when he was the linebackers coach for the Houston Oilers and has been a defensive coordinator or head coach since 1981.