This past week has been a tough one for fans of the old Houston Oilers.  First, their beloved coach, Bum Phillips passed away at the age of 90.  Then just a few short days later, Bud Adams, AFL co-founder and owner of the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans, also passed away a 90 years old.  While Adams’ history begins with the AFL, and he is perhaps best known for his football accomplishments during that time, Phillips is better-known for his Luv Ya Blue period with the Oilers in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

However, Bum Phillips’s professional coaching career also began in the AFL as a member of Sid Gillman’s staff with the San Diego Chargers.  Bum Phillips replaced Chuck Noll on the defensive side of the ball, and coached the Chargers defensive line from 1967-1971.

When Sid Gillman became head coach of a moribund Houston Oilers team in 1973, he hired Phillips to his staff where he remained for two years, before taking over as head coach in 1975.

bum phillips

Bum Phillips entry in 1971 San Diego Chargers media guide.