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The New Orleans Saints 50 for 50 series continues: No. 44, Bum Phillips comes to New Orleans

By Dean Mullen

CIRCA 1980's: Head Coach Bum Phillips (R) of the New Orleans Saints in this portrait on the sidelines circa early 1980's during an NFL football game. Phillips was the head coach of the Saints from 1981-85. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
CIRCA 1980's: Head Coach Bum Phillips (R) of the New Orleans Saints in this portrait on the sidelines circa early 1980's during an NFL football game. Phillips was the head coach of the Saints from 1981-85. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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For many young Saints’fans the name Bum Phillips probably doesn’t strike up many long lasting memories. This coach to another generation brings back so many great memories for the older Who Dats. Bum Phillips was simply beloved as a coach and every city he’s been to. New Orleans was lucky to have him.

While that speech above may have been in Houston, it doesn’t matter. Bum Phillips was simply a different cat. Former defensive tackle Derland Moore probably put it best.

"“He had common sense, and he had a lot of sayings that made a lot of sense. Bum never really coached football, he coached life. He was very, very special. He was a guy that would bring you in and tell you the truth. If you put your butt out on the line for him, he’d put his butt out on the line for you. They just don’t come around like that very often. The only other coach I had like that was Hank Stram (who coached the Saints in 1976-77).”"

Bum Phillips had his successes on the field no doubt. He became a legend in Houston by taking the Oilers to back to back AFC championship games. No other coach had more wins at Houston as well. Eventually,  Bum Phillips came to New Orleans and did have the most prominent run up to that point.

CIRCA 1980’s: Head Coach Bum Phillips (R) of the New Orleans Saints in this portrait talking with one of his coaches on the sidelines circa early 1980’s during an NFL football game. Phillips was the head coach of the Saints from 1981-85. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
CIRCA 1980’s: Head Coach Bum Phillips (R) of the New Orleans Saints in this portrait talking with one of his coaches on the sidelines circa early 1980’s during an NFL football game. Phillips was the head coach of the Saints from 1981-85. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

He brought the team to relevance in 1983 and 84′. Bum had the Saints at 7-9 and 8-8 which was an achievement, believe me. If you don’t believe me take a look at this.

In 18 years of Saints history, Bum Phillips gave the fans two of the best years in his four year span. That fact alone, shows that he had the “it” factor to get players to want to play for him.

Bum would also be responsible for drafting legends like kicker Morten Anderson, running back George Rogers, and linebacker Rickey Jackson. That’s just naming a few.

Bum Phillips will also be remembered for his famous quotes. There’s simply too many to post them all but here is some snippets.

"“He can take his’n and beat your’n. Or he can take your’n and beat his’n.”"

Bum passed away recently and his son Wade Phillips had this to say recently after.

"“Bum is gone to Heaven-loved and will be missed by all. Great dad, coach, and Christian.”"

Writer David Barron added this in the same article.

"“Bum Phillips was a product of a family that traced its roots to Texas’ frontier past, and he did his job dressed in boots, jeans and a white Stetson-except at the Astrodome, since his mama told him it was impolite to wear a hat indoors.”"

There will never be another Bum. I can assure you of that.

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