Wade Phillips Set To Interview For Redskins Defensive Coordinator Job Next Week

Add another name to the list for the Redskins search for a new defensive coordinator.  NFL.com's Ian Rapoport is reporting that former Broncos, Falcons, Saints, Bills, Cowboys, Texans head coach Wade Phillips will be interviewing for the position.  Phillips was not with any teams last year after taking over the Houston Texans head coaching job mid-season and being fired at the end of the season.  He was very vocal about his desire to continue coaching, and also repeatedly brought up how well his defenses have done historically when he is brought in to a team.  Phillips age is a concern at 67, and he would not be a long-term solution, but the Redskins are not known for long-term solutions.  His son Wes joined the coaching staff last season as the new Tight Ends Coach, replacing Sean McVay who was promoted to Offensive Coordinator.  Wade Phillips has spent his season off watching as much football as possible, including several Redskins games to watch his son's team.

Phillips joins a growing list of people the Redskins have either requested to interview, or have an interview scheduled.  The team was denied permission to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, but were granted permission to interview 49ers DBs coach Ed Donatell.  They have also received permission to interview San Diego Chargers linebackers coach Joe Barry.  The team is also looking internally, and DB coach Raheem Morris is also being considered for the position.

This is an interesting one. Wade Phillips will interview for the #Redskins defensive coordinator opening this week, source says.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2015

Mike Jones from the Washington Post mentioned Wade Phillips as a possibility yesterday.

Another league source said that the Redskins may consider interviewing long-time defensive coordinator Wade Phillips for the position. Phillips, who most recently served as defensive coordinator and interim head coach of the Houston Texans in 2013, currently is without a job. His son, Wes, serves as tight ends coach for Washington. Phillips also worked with current Redskins personnel executive A.J. Smith from 2004-06 as defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers. Phillips attended several Redskins games this past season.

John Keim also brought up Phillips when discussing the report that A.J. Smith would be offered an "enhanced" role with the Redskins.

Don't be surprised if Smith pushes hard for Wade Phillips as the defensive coordinator. Phillips was the San Diego Chargers' defensive coordinator for three seasons when Smith was the general manager. Smith was a scout and then pro personnel director in Buffalo during Phillips' six seasons as defensive coordinator and then head coach. In San Diego, Phillips' defense ranked 11th, 13th and then seventh in points allowed per game. They were 18th, 13th and 10th in total yards. Doesn't sound like there's any doubt Phillips would want to return to coaching. Phillips' son, Wes, also serves as the Redskins' tight ends coach.

My guess is that people in the organization already know Smith's thoughts on who he'd recommend as the defensive coordinator. So even though interviews will take place before his meeting with the Redskins, I'd imagine those thoughts would be taken into serious consideration