Bum Phillips

Date of Birth: September 29, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: October 18, 2013

Biography

Oail Andrew “Bum” Phillips was an American football coach and executive born on September 29, 1923, in Orange, Texas. Known for his folksy demeanor, cowboy hat, and boots, Phillips became a beloved figure in the world of American football. He began his coaching career at the high school level before moving on to college football and eventually the NFL. Phillips is best known for his tenure as head coach of the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1980 and later the New Orleans Saints from 1981 to 1985. Under Phillips, the Oilers reached the AFC Championship Game in 1978 and 1979 but fell short of the Super Bowl both times. After retiring from coaching, Phillips remained a popular figure in Texas and continued to be involved in football through various media engagements and public appearances. He passed away on October 18, 2013, at the age of 90.

5 Interesting Facts about Bum Phillips

1. Bum Phillips was known for his colorful sayings and unique personality, often wearing cowboy hats and boots on the sidelines.

2. He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II before beginning his coaching career.

3. Phillips never wore his cowboy hat inside a stadium, famously saying, “Mama always said that if it can’t rain on you, you’re indoors.”

4. He led the Houston Oilers to two consecutive AFC Championship Games in 1978 and 1979.

5. Bum Phillips was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bum Phillips

1. “There’s two kinds of coaches, them that’s fired and them that’s gonna be fired.”

2. “Mama always said that if it can’t rain on you, you’re indoors.”

3. “You fail all the time, but you aren’t a failure until you start blaming someone else.”

4. “Winning is only half of it. Having fun is the other half.”

5. “The only discipline that lasts is self-discipline.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Bum Phillips’ net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.

Children

Bum Phillips had six children with his first wife, Helen: Bum Jr., Kim, Susan, Debbie, Jerry, and Wade Phillips. Wade Phillips followed in his father’s footsteps and became a renowned NFL coach.