Wade Phillips interested in coaching return with Raiders’ defense

The Las Vegas Raiders might have a name to watch for this offseason in joining their staff. 

Wade Phillips might not have enjoyed his time as head coach, but he made one heck of a defensive coordinator. The 44-year veteran recently served under Sean McVay in Los Angeles, helping the young coach transform into the next great name thanks to quality defensive play.

McVay made the tough decision to let go of Phillips to better the franchise. Now, Phillips might be ready to return to NFL action.

According to reports from Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Phillips is interested in joining the Las Vegas Raiders‘ staff in 2021. The Raiders recently fired defensive coordinator Paul Guenther on Sunday following their 44-27 defeat against the Indianapolis Colts.

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli was promoted to interim DC for the remainder of the season.

Would Wade Phillips be a good fit in Sin City?

At 7-6, the Raiders are far from out of the playoff hunt, though it’ll be hard to win with this defensive unit. Las Vegas currently ranks 30th in points allowed per game (30.1), 30th in sacks (15) and 29th in turnovers (15). The team also allows opponents to average a 50 percent third-down conversion percentage.

Phillips, 73, might be looking to follow the steps of Houston Texans Romeo Crennel in being the old voice on a young staff. On top of helping McVay’s roster represent the NFC in Super Bowl LIII, he also was essential in transforming the Denver Broncos around on their way to a No. 1 finish in 2015.

The defensive front led by Von Miller helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50 and Miller earn the MVP of that game. Phillips also enjoyed quality stops with the Texans, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills.

The Raiders might be enticed by bringing in Phillips due to his connection with several players. Both linebacker Corey Littleton and defensive back LaMarcus Joyner were members of the Rams roster during their NFC Championship season.

Phillips also has been vital in helping young defensive talent flourish. The Raiders have used bundles of early draft picks in the past three seasons to rebuild the unit, including defensive end Clelin Ferrell, linebacker Tanner Muse, safety Johnathan Abram and cornerbacks Damon Arnette and Trayvon Mullen.

The franchise also has a promising pass rusher and slot defender in former fourth-rounders Maxx Crosby and Amik Robertson.

The Rams finished with winning seasons in each year Phillips was on staff. Should the Raiders miss the postseason for the third time under Jon Gruden, it’ll be due to defensive play.

With the young talent and a thirst for a challenge, this could be a match made in heaven for Phillips and Raiders’ fans come 2021.