The man behind the best defense in recent NFL history may soon be on the market.
Veteran defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has been at the helm of the Broncos defense the past few years, that may very well be changing, according to USA Today:
Veteran defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ contract is set to expire soon after this season ends, opening the possibility he could be coaching elsewhere in 2017, people with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
Phillips agreed to join the Broncos on a two-year contract in late January 2015. The sides discussed an extension after Phillips’ top-ranked defense drove Denver’s Super Bowl title run last season, but they never agreed to terms, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because contract matters were to remain private.
The defense Phillips crafted was one of the most vaunted in recent memory, and it made for a great combination with Peyton Manning at the time. Given that the offense seems to be at a bit of a crossroads with Trevor Siemian at quarterback, it might be a bad time shake up the defense.
Of course, Denver might also think that with the talent they’ve assembled on the defensive side of the ball they could plug any coordinator in and get results.
Phillips is 70 years old, and it’s possible that his next coaching contract ends up being his last one. So there’s certainly no shame in being choosy. Plus, given the resume he’s built, he should be able to name his price.