Switching the Texans to a 3-4 alignment, Phillips helped turn them into a physical, versatile unit that showed opposing offenses more looks than Lady Gaga. Phillips’ extensive experience in the NFL brought a calming influence to a young defense, and the Texans won the AFC South and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
“He’s got everything under control all the time, and when the game gets crazy and it’s a big play in the game, somebody’s got to make a call–that’s what players are looking for,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak says. “They’re looking for somebody that has confidence, that’s going to put them in the right position to be successful, and Wade’s done that for many, many years.”
Houston finished second in the league in total defense, trailing only the Steelers. In 2010, they finished 30th. General manager Rick Smith upgraded the defensive talent, plucking cornerback Johnathan Joseph and safety Danieal Manning in free agency, and drafting outside linebacker Brooks Reed and defensive end JJ Watt. However, Phillips was the cook who blended the ingredients.
The Texans were happy when Phillips declined to be interviewed for the Buccaneers’ head coaching position. Thanks largely to his presence, defense is no longer a problem for Houston.
Previous winner
Sporting News voters selected the Falcons Mike Mularkey as the 2010 Coordinator of the Year. Mularkey was recently named head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
About the awards
Sporting News polled 632 NFL players, coaches and executives for our awards. Everyone voted for offensive and defensive player of the year, rookie of the year and comeback player of the year. Only the 32 coaches and executives from that group voted for coach of the year, coordinator of the year and executive of the year. Thirty coaches and executives voted on the All-Pro team.
The schedule
Monday: Rookie of the Year: Cam Newton, Panthers
Tuesday: Comeback Player of the Year: Plaxico Burress, Jets
Wednesday: Defensive Player of the Year: Jared Allen, Vikings
Thursday: Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Friday: Coach of the Year: Jim Harbaugh, 49ers; Coordinator of the Year: Wade Phillips, Texans
Jan. 30: Executive of the Year; All-Pro team
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