Wade Phillips to coach the Texans Defense

Coach Gary Kubiak said he's excited to switch to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

Kubiak hired Phillips on Wednesday to replace Frank Bush, who was one of four defensive coaches fired on Monday.

"Wade feels confident about running a 3-4, and I'm excited about that," Kubiak said. "Wade said he feels good about the talent we have and how he'll use the players. He said (defensive end) Mario (Williams) has to be one of our most successful players and that it's up to him to put Mario in position to do that.

"Wade talked about some things he did with Bruce Smith in Buffalo compared to what he'll do with Mario, and I like what I hear."

Smith had 65 sacks in six seasons under Phillips, 63, who spent much of the day at Reliant Stadium interviewing with Kubiak and meeting with others in the organization, including owner Bob McNair and general manager Rick Smith.

Phillips returned to his home in Dallas after the interview.

"I'm fired up about the opportunity," Phillips said. "I studied tape of 15 Texans games. I like their talent. I'm excited to work with them."

Phillips is intrigued by how the Texans' defensive players will fit into the 3-4 scheme the way he runs it.

"It depends on the players we have and the situation (down in distance)," he said. "I'm really excited about working with Mario Williams, and seeing how we can take advantage of all that talent."

Kubiak said Phillips was his top target and that he will be included in the hiring of defensive assistants.

"Wade was at the top of the list, and he brings instant credibility to our defense," Kubiak said. "He's going to coach in the East-West (Shrine) Game. He and I are going to get together next week and go over (assistant) coaches he wants. He wants me to be comfortable with them. We want them to be a good fit.

"When Wade's at the East-West Game, I'll interview the coaches he recommends."

The Texans need to hire coaches for linebackers and defensive backs because Johnny Holland and David Gibbs were fired. They also fired assistant linebackers coach Robert Saleh.

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[klenny5688]

Texans apparently didn't watch the 45-3 ass whippin' that the Packers gave the Cowboys under Phillips.

[EverythingMagic101]

@klenny5688 yeah but phillips is our defensive coordinator, he can now just focus on one thing the defense. plus his team quit on him

[JadoreDioreable]

he going do good

[NFLization]

@klenny5688 actually it was 45-7. not that it really matters, but Cowboys did score a TD.

[monge1228]

good defence lookmforward to it all we need is a better line up front

[asdf2424]

2 failures....they both lead a team that quit on them

[houstontexans8]

Good move by the texans

[TheMachinimaClassics]

sweet

[TheMachinimaClassics]

sweet