When looking to impress a potential new employer, flattery is rarely a bad option. Just ask Wade Phillips as he shoots his shot for the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator position.
Taking to Twitter to thank Packers fans and “owners” for their show of support for his candidacy to be the team's next defensive coordinator, the 73-yard-old coach was quick to heap praise on head man Matt LaFleur. Reminding everyone of their history together as members of the Los Angeles Rams coaching staff under Sean McVay, Wade assured fans that LaFleur would do what was best for the team in selecting a new coordinator.
Granted, Phillips almost certainly believes that would mean picking him.
To all the Packers fans on Twitter -Thank you for overwhelming support from the team owners!But I know Matt and he is an outstanding coach and will make the best decision for your team! Period
— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) January 30, 2021
The Packers' defensive coordinator position became available Friday afternoon when the organization announced that Mike Pettine would not remain with the team following his contract's expiration. While Green Bay ranked ninth in total defense during the 2020 NFL season, LaFleur had criticized Pettine's playcalling during the NFC Championship Game loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading many observers to conclude that was an irreparable rift between the two. Given that Pettine was a holdover from the Mike McCarthy era in Green Bay, it is no surprise that LaFleur has opted to install his hand-picked candidate into the job.
Besides Phillips, the Packers will cast a wide net in their search for Pettine's replacement. Among the candidates that are likely to receive an interview are Jim Leonhard from Wisconsin, Kris Kocurek of the San Francisco 49ers, and Jerry Gray, the Packers' defensive backs coach.
While the competition for the job will undoubtedly be fierce, Wade Phillips can rest easy knowing that his resume and flattery speak for themselves.
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