The Los Angeles Rams announced Monday that they will not renew the contract of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.
Phillips, 72, signed a three-year contract after the Rams hired head coach Sean McVay in January 2017.
A year after reaching the Super Bowl, Los Angeles went 9-7 and missed the playoffs this season. The Rams finished 13th in total defense (339.6 yards per game) and 17th in scoring defense (22.8 points per game).
“Coach Wade has been a veteran voice in heading our defense for the past three seasons,” McVay said in a statement. “His wealth of experience, sound advice, and helpful demeanour has been invaluable to our coaches and players, and also has set an example for me as a head coach and a leader of men.
“I thank Coach Phillips for his numerous contributions to the Los Angeles Rams and our community, and I wish he, his wife Laurie, and the rest of the Phillips family the best.”
Los Angeles allowed more than 40 points three times, losing 55-40 to Tampa Bay in Week 4, 45-6 to Baltimore in Week 12 and 44-21 to Dallas in Week 15. The Rams also held five teams to 10 or fewer points, and it is that inconsistency that likely contributed to his exit.
“I have been informed by the Rams that my contract will not be renewed,” Phillips wrote on Twitter Monday. “I want to thank them for the opportunity to be a part of their success the last 3 years. Most of all I want to thank the players who I loved working with. I still want to coach and feel I can contribute.”
Phillips began his NFL coaching career as a defensive assistant for his father Bum Phillips’ Houston Oilers in 1976.
He compiled an 82-64 record as head coach with the New Orleans Saints (interim in 1985), Denver Broncos (1993-94), Buffalo Bills (1998-2000), Atlanta Falcons (interim in 2003), Dallas Cowboys (2007-10) and Houston Texans (interim in 2013).
Phillips was the defensive coordinator for the Super Bowl 50 champion Broncos in 2015 and has been DC for the Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Bills, Falcons, then-San Diego Chargers and Texans.
Running backs coach Skip Peete was also let go on Monday.
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