Son of Bum

The Denver Broncos coach and Super Bowl champion recalls his life and lessons learned from his father, NFL coach Bum Phillips, in this football memoir.

Decorated National Football League coach Wade Phillips demonstrates in loving detail how much of his success, on and off the field, he owes to his father. A beloved character in NFL history, Bum taught Wade how to have perspective on the game during tough times—and that “coaching isn’t bitching.” Wade has since passed these and other lessons down to his son, Wes Phillips, an NFL coach himself.

Known for his homespun, plain-talking ways, Wade is a groundbreaking coach who has long believed in using support and camaraderie—instead of punishment and anger—to inspire his players. And though his defensive concepts are revolutionary, he would say they begin with common sense. Son of Bum is more than one man’s memoir—it’s a story of family and football and a father who inspired his son.

“Having played for and against Wade Phillips, the first word that comes to my mind is respect. SON OF BUM is a great read about the Xs and Os from one of the greatest coaches in the league, as well as a loving tribute to the influence of family.”—Peyton Manning