Wade Phillips

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Lore & Background

He returned to Denver in 1993 as head coach, replacing Dan Reeves, but was fired after a mediocre 1994 season when management felt he had lost control of the team. His most defining moment arrived decades later on January 28, 2015, when he reunited with Gary Kubiak to serve as defensive coordinator for a second time. Phillips replaced his predecessor's complex wait-and-react scheme with a simple style focused on aggressively going after the ball. This strategic shift propelled Denver to the top-ranked defense in the league, carrying the team to a 12–4 record and the number one seed in the AFC despite offensive struggles. In Super Bowl 50, played on February 7, 2016, Phillips' defense completely shut down Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and their top-ranked offense, securing a 24–10 victory that marked Phillips' first Super Bowl win as a coach.

In Their Own Story

The turning point for the 2015 Denver Broncos arrived when Wade Phillips took over the defensive play-calling duties. He dismantled the existing complex system, replacing it with an aggressive approach centered on attacking the ball carrier directly. This change immediately revitalized the unit, allowing them to dominate opponents and secure the AFC's number one seed. The culmination of this effort occurred in Santa Clara, California, during Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. Observers framed the game as a clash between Phillips and Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula, noting both were sons of famous NFL coaches facing off with their respective units. Phillips' defensive strategy proved superior; his players suffocated Cam Newton and the high-powered Carolina offense, holding them to just 10 points. Von Miller, a key piece of this defensive machine, was named Super Bowl MVP. This victory stood as the pinnacle of Phillips' long career, validating his philosophy that simplicity and aggression could overcome even the league's most potent attacks.

Reader's Guide

Wade Phillips' coaching history with the Denver Broncos is defined by two distinct eras separated by over two decades. He returned to the franchise on January 28, 2015, reuniting with Gary Kubiak as defensive coordinator for his second stint in that role. During this second era, Phillips implemented a simplified, aggressive scheme that resulted in the league's top-ranked defense. This unit led the Broncos to a 12–4 record and the AFC's number one seed. The campaign culminated in Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2016, where Denver defeated the Carolina Panthers 24–10. Phillips' tenure as coordinator ended following Kubiak's retirement after the 2016 season, with Joe Woods named his successor.

Did You Know?

• Phillips has served as defensive coordinator in eight separate stints with seven different franchises, including two terms with the Denver Broncos.
• In his lone Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl 50), a defensive player named Von Miller was awarded MVP honors.
• Phillips replaced Dan Reeves as head coach of the Broncos in 1993 but was fired after the 1994 season due to management feeling he lost control of the team.
• His second stint with the Broncos began on January 28, 2015, reuniting him with Gary Kubiak as head coach.