The Los Angeles Rams have struck gold so far by hiring one of the brilliant offensive minds in the league in former Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay as their head coach. Prior to his signing, McVay let it be well known who his top choice for defensive coordinator would be.
According to Vinny Bonsignore of Los Angeles Daily News, the Rams managed to fulfill his wish list by signing former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips just hours after acquiring McVay:
#Rams have hired Wade Phillips as their new defensive coordinator
— Vincent Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny) January 13, 2017
There has been a bit of concern as to whether or not the 30-year-old McVay is ready to take on one of the toughest jobs in sports. Luckily, the Rams were able to balance McVay’s lack of extensive experience with someone who has a surplus of it by quickly signing Phillips to a three-year deal. The veteran coach led an all-time Broncos defense to a dominant Super Bowl victory over the Carolina Panthers last season.
Fortunately for the Rams, Phillips also has experience dealing with the frustration of a struggling offense after nearly getting back to the playoffs despite shaky quarterback play. Once head coach Gary Kubiak decided to retire at the end of the 2016 NFL season, the door was left open for the Rams to pursue the coveted coach.
Phillips will inherit a Rams team that ranked ninth in total defense last season despite their 4-12 finish. With players like Aaron Donald and Alec Ogletree, Phillips will certainly have a solid foundation to build his defense on.
