O.A. "Bum" Phillips
O.A. "Bum" Phillips began his illustrious coaching career in Nederland in 1950. The native of Orange, Texas coached a total of 13 years at the high school level, 6 years in college, and 17 years in the NFL - 11 years as head coach and general manager. Phillips coached the Houston Oilers from 1975-1980 with a 59-38 record. In 1978 and 1979 the Oilers advanced to the AFC Championship Game but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Appointed head coach and general manager of the New Orleans Saints in 1981, Bum moved to Louisiana where he brought the Saints out of the cellar. After five years there, Bum retired from football and moved back home to Texas to pursue his first love, ranching. Phillips was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. (Football)
