The Los Angeles Rams did not make the playoffs for the first time in three years and it appears their defensive coordinator is the fall guy. Rams DC Wade Phillips announced via social media his contract is not being renewed, making him a free agent this offseason.
He was defensive coordinator for Los Angeles for three seasons.
The Rams’ defense actually improved in terms of league ranking last year. In three years, Los Angeles finished 19th, 19th and 13th in total defense and 12th, 20th and 17th in points. They were a top-10 team in takeaways each season.
Phillips has been coaching in the NFL since 1976, and has been either a defensive coordinator or head coach since 1981.
In his post on social media, he noted his desire to continue coaching.
This won’t necessarily affect the Cardinals, as he will likely seek a coordinator position elsewhere. However, it is important to note that Cardinals DC Vance Joseph runs a Wade Phillips defense and believes in his system. The Cardinals reportedly have moved on from defensive line coach Chris Achuff, so there is potentially a position coach vacancy.
If Phillips does not find a coordinator position, he could be a fit on Joseph’s defensive staff. Phillips was a defensive line coach for four seasons before getting a DC job.
Should the Cardinals pursue him as a position coach?
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Ep. 254
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