Former Saints/Oilers Coach Bum Phillips Dies

Former New Orleans Saints and Houston Oilers head coach Oail Andrew "Bum" Phillips died on Friday. He was 90.

Phillips first became a head coach in the NFL with the Houston Oilers, back in 1975, who he coached for six seasons.

During his time in Houston, Phillips guided the Oilers to a 55-35 record, including five winnings seasons, and back-to-back appearances in the AFC Championship Game, in 1978 & 1979.

In 1981, Phillips became head coach of the New Orleans Saints, who he led to a record of 27-42, over five seasons at the helm.

In 1983, under Phillips, the Saints were one win away from securing their first winning season, and playoff appearance, before losing to the Los Angeles Rams, 26-24, on the last week of the season. In that game, the Rams scored three non-offensive touchdowns, and Mike Lansford kicked a game-winning 42-yard field goal as time expired.

It was in that 1983 season, under Phillips, when the "Who Dat?!?" support chant was first used by fans of the Saints.

Phillips resigned as Saints coach on November 25, 1985, one day after a 30-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. He was replaced, on an interim basis, by his son, Wade Phillips, who later became head coach of the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Cowboys.

Phillips compiled an overall career coaching record of 85-80, including the playoffs.