Long-time NFL coach Wade Phillips is considered one of the best defensive minds in the modern history of the NFL. He’s overseen a dominating two-year stretch as defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos, helping the team to the Lombardi last season.
A blitz-heavy scheme coupled with man coverage on the outside led to two of the best defensive performances from a team in recent history. In fact, Denver finished the 2015 campaign No. 1 in total yards, No. 1 against the pass and in the top five in points allowed.
Despite this, Phillips is set to become a free agent. His contract expired following the 2016 season. And with question marks surrounding the Broncos’ coaching situation following Gary Kubiak’s resignation, Phillips himself might move on from Denver.
Needless to say, he’ll be a highly sought-after coach on the market. According to this one report, the Oakland Raiders might very well be Phillips’ ultimate landing spot.
Don't overlook #Raiders as possible landing spot for Wade Phillips, whose #Broncos contract is expiring. Productivity hasn't matched talent.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 7, 2017
This makes sense considering just how poor the Raiders’ defense was during the regular season. It ranked in the bottom 10 against the pass, against the run, in total yards allowed and points allowed.
This has led some to believe that defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr’s job could be on the line. If so, the Raiders would be smart to go after a coach from a division rival with 30-plus years of elite coaching experience.