Texana Thursday: A Son of Bum

Son of Bum, by Wade Phillips with Vic Carucci, is a tribute to Wade’s father, Bum Phillips (Diversion Books).

Many professionals got their start by joining their father at work and learning the business. Wade Phillips can relate.

Phillips is defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. He is the son of the late O.A. (for Oail Andrew) “Bum” Phillips, who long-time football fans remember as head coach of the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints.

Wade, working with longtime sportswriter Vic Carucci, has written a book, Son of Bum, recently released this month by Diversion Books.

Bum Phillips was known for producing winning football teams. His time with the Oilers (1975-1980) is remembered as the “Luv Ya Blue” era with such stars as Hall of Famers Elvin Bethea, Earl Campbell, and Curley Culp, along with other popular players such as Mike Barber, Robert Brazile, Carl Mauck, and Dan Pastorini.

Unlike today’s coaches, all of whom are wearing team-approved apparel (Wade writes it’s a part of the standard contract today), Bum wore boots and cowboy hats. He was a rancher and served in the Marines before going into coaching after World War II.

Bum’s cowboy hat was practical; He said the visitor’s bench was always facing into the sun. And he didn’t wear the hat when coaching in the Astrodome (or the Superdome). His momma told him not to wear a hat indoors.

He was also known for his quotes. He was once asked why Campbell was so slow in getting up after every play. Bum said, “Yeah, but he goes down kind of slow, too.” Many remember his promise to Oilers fans following a 1979 playoff loss. “Last year, we knocked on the door. This year, we beat on the door. Next year, we’re going to kick the son of a bitch in!”

Alas, things didn’t work out that way. He left the Oilers after the next season and went to New Orleans.

Wade joined the Oilers when Bum became head coach there. They coached together in New Orleans before Bum retired from coaching in 1985 and became a full-time rancher. Eventually Bum moved to Goliad. He died in 2013.

Wade has carried on since Bum’s retirement. He has served as either the head coach or interim head coach of six of the NFL’s 32 franchises (Bills, Broncos, Cowboys, Falcons, Saints, and Texans). He was defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos when they won the Super Bowl in 2016.

The book is Wade’s story, but Bum’s lessons and stories come through in every chapter and make this more than just a football book. It’s also a family story, as we see how Wes Phillips (Wade’s son and Bum’s grandson) also carries on the family football legacy.

Son of Bum is an enjoyable read, regardless of whether you’re a football fan.