Wade Phillips officially announced as Rams’ new defensive coordinator

Wade Phillips, the architect of one of the most dominating defenses in NFL history, on Thursday was officially announced as the Rams’ defensive coordinator.

Phillips, 69, has been an NFL head coach, defensive coordinator or assistant for 39 seasons. New Rams Coach Sean McVay and the Rams had agreed to terms with Phillips before McVay was introduced last week.

“Wade has seen it all in our league, and I believe that his wealth of knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset to our entire coaching staff and players,” McVay, 30, said in a statement Thursday. “Our defense has been one of our core strengths and I expect it to continue to grow and thrive under Wade’s leadership.”

Phillips was the Denver Broncos’ defensive coordinator the last two seasons. In the 2015 season, the Broncos won Super Bowl 50 with the NFL’s top-ranked defense, one of the most dominant units in league history. The Broncos ranked fourth this season.

Phillips’ contract with the Broncos expired at the end of this season. With head coach Gary Kubiak stepping down, the Broncos hired former Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph as head coach.

Phillips has also served as defensive coordinator for six other teams. He was head coach for the Broncos, Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys.

The Rams ranked ninth in defense this season under coordinator Gregg Williams while running a defense that most often featured four linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs. Williams left to become defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.

Phillips has traditionally favored a 3-4 alignment.

McVay said last week that having a seasoned coach such as Phillips would help him delegate and empower assistants.

“When you’re able to agree to terms with a coach like Wade Phillips, that does free you up,” he said. “When you’re head coach, you’re responsible for managing the team and building those relationships with everybody.

“But having great coaches in place can then allow you to be more selective in how you go about your everyday approach.”