Vikings Announce Wes Phillips as new OC, four other coaching additions

EAGAN, MN (KDLM) – The Minnesota Vikings have announced that they will hire former LA Rams passing coordinator Wes Phillips as their new offensive coordinator.

Phillips is a third-generation of the Phillips coaching families in the NFL: his grandfather Bum was the head coach of the Houston Oilers (1975-80) and New Orleans Saints (1981-85), and his father Wade has served as the head coach of four NFL franchises (New Orleans, Denver, Buffalo, Dallas).

While his grandfather and father were defensive-minded NFL head coaches, Wes has focused on the offensive side of the ball.

Wes cut his teeth on the offensive side of the ball. Phillips spent the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams as their tight ends coach. He was also promoted to passing game coordinator this past season.

Under Phillips, the Rams ranked fifth overall with 273.1 passing yards per game and third with 7.65 passing yards per play. Quarterback Matthew Stafford tied a career-high with 41 touchdown passes, and wide receiver Cooper Kupp led the NFL in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947), and touchdowns (16), becoming the fifth receiver to win the receiving Triple Crown during the Super Bowl era.

In addition to Phillips, the Vikings announced four other additions to their coaching staff yesterday: Matt Daniels as Special Teams Coordinator, Daronte Jones as Defensive Backs coach, Ben Kotwica as Assistant Special Teams coach, and Mike Smith as Outside Linebackers coach.