by Bum Phillips legacy continues to shine brightly in the annals of football history. October 18th marks the passing of Oail Andrew “Bum” Phillips Jr., who died in 2013 at age 90. Known for his trademark cowboy hat, boots, and easygoing Texas charm, Phillips transformed the Houston Oilers into contenders, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, authenticity, and enduring inspiration.
The enduring Bum Phillips legacy isn’t just about his coaching record; it’s about the genuine, down-to-earth, and inspirational figure he was to players and fans alike.
The Heart of ‘Luv Ya Blue!’
Phillips is best remembered for leading the Houston Oilers during their iconic “Luv Ya Blue!” era from 1975 to 1980. He took over a struggling franchise, which had just suffered consecutive 1-13 seasons, and transformed them into a perennial contender. This remarkable turnaround cemented the Bum Phillips legacy as a master motivator and strategist. He was a champion of his players, treating them like family and fostering an atmosphere of loyalty and camaraderie that resonated deeply with the city of Houston.
Under his guidance, the Oilers, powered by legendary running back Earl Campbell (a player Phillips famously drafted), reached the AFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons (1978 and 1979). Though they fell short both times to the eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, the electric atmosphere and the bond between the team and its fans became the stuff of legend. This era wasn’t just about wins; it was about pride, passion, and the birth of the team’s unwavering Bum Phillips legacy in Texas sports history.
The Man Behind the Stetson and the Quotes
Phillips was a true Texas original, known for his signature style and his brilliant, homespun wisdom, often dubbed “Bumisms.” He only removed his white Stetson in domed stadiums, famously quipping, “Mama always said that if it can’t rain on you, you’re indoors.” His quotes were a blend of humor, philosophy, and coaching genius, such as the widely repeated line about a rival coach: “He can take his’n and beat your’n, and take your’n and beat his’n.” These colorful expressions endeared him to fans and media and are a significant part of the enduring Bum Phillips legacy.
Perhaps his most famous quote came after the second heartbreaking AFC Championship loss to the Steelers. Standing before a packed crowd in the Astrodome, he promised, “Last year we knocked on the door. This year we beat on the door. Next year we’re gonna kick the son of a bitch in!” This defiant spirit, even in defeat, encapsulated the fire and fight of the Oilers and forever cemented the Bum Phillips legacy as a coach who understood the hearts of his fans.
A Lasting Impact on the Game and Family
Beyond his coaching tenure with the Oilers and a later stint with the New Orleans Saints, Phillips left a substantial tactical mark on the NFL. He is credited with popularizing the 3-4 defensive scheme, a formation still used widely today, and for developing the defensive numbering system for fronts—innovations that are a quiet but profound component of the Bum Phillips legacy. His impact also lives on through his family; his son, Wade Phillips, followed in his father’s footsteps to become a highly successful NFL coach and defensive coordinator, carrying on the family’s respected coaching tradition.
Today, we remember not just a coach, but a veteran of World War II who served as a Marine Raider, a rancher, a Christian, and a philanthropist through his Bum Phillips Charities. The genuine warmth, integrity, and love for his team and his home state ensure that the Bum Phillips legacy remains one of the most fondly remembered in American football. He was, as he famously said of himself, a man who didn’t mind being called “Bum,” as long as you didn’t put a “you” in front of it. His spirit truly lives on.
