After reaching the Super Bowl last season, the Los Angeles Rams have taken a big step back in 2019. They currently sit at 8-7 with one game to play and were officially eliminated from postseason contention after a heartbreaking loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night.
The Rams retained almost their entire core from the NFC Championship team, but they quickly learned that nothing is guaranteed in this league.
A big reason the Rams took a step back was because of the inconsistency of their defense. In a handful of their losses – against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys and 49ers – in particular, the defense did not even give the offense a chance.
Because of that, Alex Marvez of Sirius XM Radio is reporting that the organization is discussing not bringing back defensive coordinator Wade Phillips next season:
I'm hearing there's a chance Wade Phillips doesn't return as @RamsNFL d-coordinator. In final year of his contract. He's expected to meet with Sean McVay at season's end. Rams LBs coach Joe Barry would be strong replacement candidate. More tonight 8-11 pm et on @SiriusXMNFL
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) December 21, 2019
Phillips has been head coach Sean McVay’s right-hand man since he took over three years ago, so this would certainly be a significant change for Los Angeles.
The 72-year-old has been coaching for five decades and is known to be one of the brightest defensive minds this sport has ever had to offer. The Rams do not lack talent on the defensive side of the ball though, so definitely should have been better and more consistent than they have been this season.
It is unclear who the Rams would peg as Phillips’ replacementment, but as Marvez reported, linebackers coach Joe Berry would be a candidate. Phillips is in the final year of his contract so a decision on his future with the organization will likely come shortly after next week’s season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
