Texans hire Phillips as defensive coordinator With Phillips, Texans take new direction

Coordinator to install 3-4 scheme in hopes of improving performance

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After Wade Phillips agreed to become the Texans’ new defensive coordinator on Wednesday, he and coach Gary Kubiak went to owner Bob McNair’s office.

McNair dialed Bum Phillips’ telephone number in Goliad.

“When he answered, Bob said, ‘Bum, I’ve got someone here who wants to talk to you,’ ” Wade Phillips said after he returned to his home in Dallas. “I got on the phone and said, ‘Daddy, we’re Texans now.’ ”

Phillips played at the University of Houston and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant under Bill Yeoman.

“Houston’s important to me,” Phillips said. “When I started my coaching career with the Oilers (1976-1980), I thought I’d never leave. Now I’ve come full circle.”

In Kubiak’s last three years (1989-1991) as a backup quarterback in Denver, Phillips was the defensive coordinator under Dan Reeves.

The Texans will switch to a 3-4 under Phillips after playing a 4-3 the last five seasons.

Wade Phillips will be Gary Kubiak's third defensive coordinator in six seasons. Wade Phillips will be Gary Kubiak's third defensive coordinator in six seasons. Photo: Brett Coomer, Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Texans hire Phillips as defensive coordinator 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

“I’ve studied tape of 15 (Texans) games,” Phillips said. “I like their talent. I’m excited to work with them. They played hard for Gary, and that was impressive.”

The last four times Phillips has been hired as a defensive coordinator, he’s helped a losing team make the playoffs in his first season on the job.

“I’ve done this several times, you know,” Phillips said. “I think I know what it takes.

“The owner and coach are men I’d like to work for. They wanted me, and I wanted to be there. Gary’s a good coach, and I think we can win. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be coming there. I’m anxious to get there and get started.”

Kubiak joins Bum Phillips, Buddy Ryan, Reeves two times, Marv Levy and Marty Schottenheimer as head coaches who have hired Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator.

“Wade was at the top of the list, and he brings instant credibility to our defense,” Kubiak said. “He’s done so much as a coordinator and as a head coach.

“Having another guy who was a head coach around me is something I’m going to like.”

Phillips was fired as the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach after a 1-7 start.

Calling Super Mario

“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, who’s in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recorded 65 sacks in six seasons of playing for Phillips.

“What we do depends on the players we have and the situation (down and distance),” Phillips said. “I’m really excited about working with Mario and seeing how we can take advantage of all that talent.

“I think there are ways I can help him, technique-wise, and putting him in the right matchups. He’s a special guy.”

Defensive end Antonio Smith played in a 3-4 with Arizona when the Cardinals went to the Super Bowl. And the Texans’ linebackers shouldn’t have a problem making the adjustment.

No matter what system the Texans play, the secondary needs a lot of help. The Texans ranked 30th in total defense, including 32nd in pass defense.

Third time’s the charm?

Phillips, 63, is the third defensive coordinator under Kubiak. Richard Smith and Frank Bush were fired. Bush was one of four defensive assistants fired Monday.

Phillips, who is coaching the East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 22, will recommend to Kubiak who he wants to coach linebackers and defensive backs.

Bill Kollar will continue to coach the defensive line.

“Wade and I are going to get together next week and go over (assistant) coaches he recommends,” Kubiak said. “He wants me to be comfortable with them. We want them to be a good fit.

“Then, when Wade’s coaching at the East-West game, I’ll interview the coaches he wants.”

john.mcclain@chron.com