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3 NFL Teams That Should Call Wade Phillips About Defensive Coordinator Role

By Justin Morris

Former Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will have a job sooner than later
Former Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will have a job sooner than later / Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

Making the Super Bowl is no easy feat (just ask 2020 Tom Brady), and that alone should place ample amount of emphasis on the importance of the ability to guide a team there. Wade Phillips has that experience, most recently with the Rams just last season.

Now, the genius of Sean McVay's offense cannot be understated as playing a huge part in the Rams' success in 2019, but after failing to make to playoffs this season (which again highlights how tough a league the NFL is), the team decided to part ways with Phillips in pursuit of a more youthful defensive philosophy.

Despite failing to secure a contract renewal, all indications are Phillips still wants to coach, and plenty of teams could use a resume of his stature. Here are three teams that should be placing calls to his phone as soon as possible.

3. Giants

The New York Giants defense lines up against the Philadelphia Eagles
The New York Giants defense lines up against the Philadelphia Eagles / Steven Ryan/Getty Images

Well, Pat Shurmur's gone, and that's one reason for Giants fans to celebrate. Still though, the team has significant holes to fill heading into to next season, and Phillips' experience could be exactly what they need to right the ship on defense. The Giants finished in the bottom 10 in defensive yards allowed per game, and were third worst in the league in total points allowed. They'll need key free agents though, most notably on their defensive line if they want to allow Phillips any wiggle room to maneuver his strategy.

2. Browns

Cleveland Browns' defensive Myles Garrett prepares for a snap vs. the Seattle Seahawks
Cleveland Browns' defensive Myles Garrett prepares for a snap vs. the Seattle Seahawks / Jason Miller/Getty Images

Myles Garrett didn't play in the final few games of his team's season after his scuffle with Steelers' quarterback Mason Rudolph, but with him back and fully healthy next season, he and Phillips could be a perfect pairing in Cleveland. JJ Watt, Aaron Donald (2x), Reggie White and Bruce Smith all won Defensive Player of the Year under Phillips' tutelage, and Garrett has the potential to vault himself into a player of that caliber.

1. Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox celebrates a big play vs. Seattle
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox celebrates a big play vs. Seattle / Steven Ryan/Getty Images

Philadelphia's shaky defensive performances against some of the league's worst offensive teams should be tell-alls that they're in need of something different on the defensive end. Losses to Miami and Atlanta, as well as barely scraping by the Giants in overtime, and a defeat at the hands of an injury-depleted Seattle squad are likely enough to stir up some change in the city, and Phillips could be the man for that task. The team's secondary was one of the worst in the league all season, but with talents like Nigel Bradham and Fletcher Cox still manning the middle, hope is certainly not lost for the '18 Super Bowl champs.