Houston Texans: Can Wade Phillips Ignite Luv Ya Blue 2.0?

On November 20, 1978, the Houston Oilers defeated the Miami Dolphins 35-30 on Monday Night Football.  That day will always be remembered in Houston as the birth of "Luv Ya Blue."

Bum Phillips was the head coach, and his son, Wade Phillips, was the defensive line coach.  Thirty-three years later, Wade Phillips has once again found himself employed by a Houston football team.  At the conclusion of the 2010 season, Frank Bush was fired as the Texans defensive coordinator.

On January 5, 2011, Phillips was hired to fill that position, as well as bring excitement back to a down-right embarrassing Texans defense.  His first adjustment will be to change the defensive scheme from a 4-3 back to a 3-4.  Wade's premier pass rusher, Mario Williams, will make the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker.  The Texans have also brought in draft picks J.J. Watt (DE), Brooks Reed (OLB) and Brandon Harris (CB) to provide additional support on the defensive side of the ball.

This will be Phillips' eighth defensive coordinator position in the NFL dating back to his first role as the New Orleans Saints defensive leader in 1981 after leaving the Oilers.  He has also led defenses for the Eagles (1986-88), Broncos (1989-92), Bills (1995-97), Falcons (2002-03) and Chargers between 2004 and 2006.  His most recent gig was head coach/defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, which led to a mid-season firing after a 1-7 start.

The Texans are hoping they are getting a rejuvenated Phillips, back in Houston where his NFL coaching career began in 1976.

The Texans will look to continue their offensive dominance under Gary Kubiak with a balanced rushing attack from Arian Foster and company, while quarterback Matt Schaub carves up opposing secondaries.

Can Wade Phillips lead defensive stars DeMeco Ryans, Brian Cushing and Mario Williams into the playoffs with his highly coveted defensive scheme that has seen success in various football towns across the country?

The expectations are higher than ever in Houston and there is no better time to bring back one of football's most fun traditions: Luv Ya Blue!