The Los Angeles Rams had a disappointing season in 2019, failing to reach the NFL postseason a year removed from winning the NFC and competing in Super Bowl LIII. After going 9-7, which wasn't enough in the competitive conference, head coach Sean McVay had to make a sacrifice, and the organization let go of respected defensive coordinator Wade Phillips after three seasons in service to the Rams.

Wade Phillips, 72, had his contract expire following the 2019 season. McVay and the Rams will not bring back the former head coach of the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Cowboys.

In a statement released by the team on Monday, McVay was highly complimentary of the departing Wade Phillips.

“Coach Wade has been a veteran voice in heading our defense for the past three seasons,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said in a statement. “His wealth of experience, sound advice, and helpful demeanor has been invaluable to our coaches and players, and also has set an example for me as a head coach and a leader of men. I thank Coach Phillips for his numerous contributions to the Los Angeles Rams and our community, and I wish he, his wife Laurie, and the rest of the Phillips family the best.

McVay continued on Wade Phillips:

“He's been great. Even from the very first time that we started working together,” McVay said on Dec. 26. “His experience that he’s had, to be able to draw on. I think our personalities, it’s a good balance – in terms of some of the things where you see just how even-keeled he is, has helped. Like I’ve mentioned in a lot of different ways, he’s always had a great perspective just based on his experience – whether it be as a head coach or as a coordinator, but it’s never pushed on you. He’s always willing to share and has a way that he thinks is the best way to be able to do it, but I’ve never felt like any of that was pushed on you.”

The Rams' defense under Wade Phillips finished 20th among teams in 2019 in total yards allowed, including 21st in passing yards and 14th in rushing. L.A. gave up the tied for seventh-most rushing touchdowns, too.

Wade Phillips will doubt be highly sought by other organizations for vacancies without coaching roles, but he won't be on the sidelines next to Sean McVay and the Rams in 2020.