Texans Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips was named the Sporting News Coordinator of the Year Friday. Phillips received 15 votes. Former Texans and current San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio came in second with six votes.
Phillips implemented a 3-4 alignment before the season. After Mario Williams was lost for the season with a pectoral muscle tear, rookie Brooks Reed stepped in and, along with fellow rookie JJ Watt, a rejuvenated Demeco Ryans, Brian Cushing and Connor Barwin, provided a virtual defensive highlight reel. Free agent acquisitions Jonathan Joseph and Danieal Manning also provided much needed secondary help.
Phillips should be back for a second year with the Texans. Earlier this month, he was supposed to interview for the Bucs head coaching job, but withdrew his name.
