Sporting News names Wade Phillips 2011 Coordinator of the Year

[Playoffs]

Sporting News 2011 NFL awards: Wade Phillips, Coordinator of the Year
PUBLISHED Friday, Jan 27, 2012 at 2:02 pm EST

After Wade Phillips joined the Texans, their defense finally became legit, and for that, he is our 2011 coordinator of the year. He received 15 votes to 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s six and Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano’s four. Pagano was named head coach of the Colts this week.

Defense, or lack of it, had been the main thing keeping Houston from becoming a playoff team. In 2010, the Texans gave up at least 30 points in half of their games. They allowed an average of 26.7 points per game, 29th in the NFL. They needed an emergency makeover. They hired Phillips, a former Cowboys head coach who found a nice landing spot farther south in Texas.

Switching the Texans to a 3-4 alignment, Phillips helped turn them into a physical, versatile unit that showed opposing offenses more looks than Lady Gaga. Phillips’ extensive experience in the NFL brought a calming influence to a young defense, and the Texans won the AFC South and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

“He’s got everything under control all the time, and when the game gets crazy and it’s a big play in the game, somebody’s got to make a call—that’s what players are looking for,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak says. “They’re looking for somebody that has confidence, that’s going to put them in the right position to be successful, and Wade’s done that for many, many years.”

Houston finished second in the league in total defense, trailing only the Steelers. In 2010, they finished 30th. General manager Rick Smith upgraded the defensive talent, plucking cornerback Johnathan Joseph and safety Danieal Manning in free agency, and drafting outside linebacker Brooks Reed and defensive end J.J. Watt. However, Phillips was the cook who blended the ingredients.

The Texans were happy when Phillips declined to be interviewed for the Buccaneers’ head coaching position. Thanks largely to his presence, defense is no longer a problem for Houston.

Previous winner

Sporting News voters selected the Falcons' Mike Mularkey as the 2010 Coordinator of the Year. Mularkey was recently named head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

About the awards

Sporting News polled 632 NFL players, coaches and executives for our awards. Everyone voted for offensive and defensive player of the year, rookie of the year and comeback player of the year. Only the 32 coaches and executives from that group voted for coach of the year, coordinator of the year and executive of the year. Thirty coaches and executives voted on the All-Pro team.

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/stor...or-of-the-year

[Vinny]

richly deserved...haven't seen a coordinator make that much difference since Buddy Ryan.

[NitroGSXR]

I fear that the change came a year too late as our offense grows tattered.

[welsh texan]

Originally Posted by NitroGSXR

I fear that the change came a year too late as our offense grows tattered.

Its nothing a good draft won't fix though, if they can bring in a starting #2 receiver and some good developmental O-line to sit and learn behind the current starters then that O won't look anywhere near as 'tattered' next year or for years after.

[Lady.Gaga.3000]

Lady Gaga lol. But turning one of the worst defenses into one of the best in a year is amazing. Is there anymore that needs to be said?

[srrono]

Well deserved. Hope he repeats next year.

[Fox]

I love Wade. He adds instant credibility to our D.

[False Start]

It should have been a no doubter. The dude worked wonders.

[badboy]

Phillips 1 & 2= Texas icons. Wished there was another wandering around somewhere.

[Grams]

Was that really necessary - this is a forum that is visited by younger kids and

many women are regular posters.

[Texan_Bill]

Good for Wade. He deserves it especially after the previous year in that zoo called the Cowboys.

[Thorn]

He deserved it. I'm looking forward to our defense next year. A lot.

[HouSportsWriter]

Originally Posted by Grams

Was that really necessary - this is a forum that is visited by younger kids and

many women are regular posters.

Rep!!!

[Doppelganger]

Originally Posted by badboy

Phillips 1 & 2= Texas icons. Wished there was another wandering around somewhere.

Actually Bum's grandson and Wade's son Wes is a an assistant Oline coach for the Cowboys.Wes has been an offensive guy his whole life and was a QB in highschool and college. He has pretty much spent the last few years as a QB coach at various levels and O line coach.

He is a youngster and I could see him being an OC at some point.

[Seegara]

There's no doubt he was coordinator of the year. Nobody else even comes close.

[badboy]

I am so pleased with Wade & his decision to remain with Texans, I had to post again. We love you Misters Phiilips.

[edo783]

This one was so obvious that it falls into categories like "Gravity works".