5 defensive coordinator candidates the Las Vegas Raiders need to hire

According to Bonsignore, the 73-year old Phillips is interested in becoming the Raiders’ next defensive coordinator. He is not in the league this season after spending three seasons as Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator. Bonsignore added some worthy notes to Phillips’ potential fit for Las Vegas.

–Of the last seven defenses Phillips took over since 1989, each helped their teams get to the playoffs in Phillips’ first year at the helm. That includes the 2017 Rams.

-According to Football Outsiders, the Rams were the sixth, 18th and ninth-most efficient defenses in football with Phillips as defensive coordinator.

In 37 total seasons as an NFL head coach or defensive coordinator, Phillips has had a top-10 yardage unit 20 times. He also brings an aggressive acumen to the table.

Gruden cited a need for a new voice and a different perspective at defensive coordinator. Looking to next year, he may as well have named Phillips as he ended his key comment.

“But I really feel for the best interest of this team right now, we need a new voice. We need somebody who has a different perspective, a different approach.”

The Raiders are sure to invest heavily in the defense again this offseason. Linebacker Corey Littleton and defensive back Lamarcus Joyner thrived with the Rams under Phillips, but have not had the same success as Raiders.

It’s pretty simple. Phillips apparently wants to be the Raiders’ defensive coordinator, and they should want him.