Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Oail Andrew "Bum" Phillips, the former coach of the Houston Oilers during the infamous "Luv Ya Blue" years, passed away on Friday. He was 90.
"Bum is gone to Heaven-loved and will be missed by all -great Dad, Coach, and Christian," son Wade Phillips, the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, said via Twitter.
Bum Phillips became head coach of the Oilers in 1975. During his time with the organization, he led the team to a 55-35 record with three consecutive playoff appearances (1978-80). It was during this time that the term "Luv Ya Blue" ushered in the excitement of the franchise with pom-poms waiving by fans at the Astrodome.
Known for his trademark cowboy hat on the sidelines, Phillips led the Oilers to back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances, losing to the Steelers in 1978 and '79.
Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell was a big part of the Oilers after he was drafted in part by Phillips, who was then fired in 1980. Phillips went on to coach the New Orleans Saints in 1981 and stayed with the team until retiring in 1985.
Phillips' final record stands at 82-77.
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