32 Quotes by Bum Phillips

Bum Phillips, born on September 29, 1923, was an American football coach known for his colorful personality, folksy charm, and successful coaching career in the National Football League (NFL). Phillips coached various teams, including the Houston Oilers and the New Orleans Saints, leaving a lasting impact on the game. He was known for his strong leadership, innovative strategies, and ability to connect with his players on a personal level.

Phillips's coaching style emphasized teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic, leading his teams to multiple playoff appearances. Beyond his coaching success, Phillips's unique character and memorable quotes made him a beloved figure among fans and players. His genuine love for the game, his humble demeanor, and his commitment to his players endeared him to the football community. Bum Phillips's legacy as a coach and his colorful personality have left an indelible mark on the sport.

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Bum Phillips Quotes


You fail all the time, but you aren't a failure until you start blaming someone else.

Respect all. Fear none. (Meaning)

Nothing. And, I don't start before noon.

Because she is too ugly to kiss goodbye.

When it's first and a mile, I won't give it to him.

Winning is only half of it. Having fun is the other half.

How do you win? By getting average players to play good and good players to play great. That's how you win.

Yep. And I noticed how slowly he went down each time, too.

There's two kinds of coaches, them that's fired and them that's gonna be fired.

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Yeah, that test says he's dumb as a fence post, but when he hits he looks like Einstein to me.

He may not be in a class all by himself, but it don't take long to call the roll.

I don't mind people thinking I'm stupid, but I don't want to give them any proof.

You don't win by making sensational plays; you win by not making mistakes.

Two kinds of ballplayers aren't worth a darn: One that never does what he's told, and one who does nothin' except what he's told.

I know why we lost the Civil War. We must have had the same officials.

Dallas Cowboys may be America's team, but the Houston Oilers are Texas' team.

I'd rather have preparation than motivation. Everyone likes to play, but no one likes to practice.

The only discipline that lasts is self-discipline.

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That boy could throw a ball through a car wash and not get it wet. (on Warren Moon)

The film looks suspiciously like the game itself!

You don't know a ladder has splinters until you slide down it.

Coaching is not how much you know. It's how much you can get players to do.

If I drop dead tomorrow, at least I’ll know I died in good health.

I done drew the line. Just like the Alamo. You're either on one side of the line or the other. I don't want to ever leave Texas again.

Mama always said that if it can't rain on you, you're indoors.

Loyalty, up and down the line. That's one quality an organization must have to be successful.

Yep. And I noticed how slowly he went down each time, too. (When asked if he noticed how slowly Earl Campbell got up after each play.)

The harder we played, the behinder we got.

I don't need the news. If they have a war, I figure someone will tell me.

The trouble with most coaches is that they start with the assumption that everybody is a turd. And that ain't right.

Rogers sees daylight. Campbell makes daylight.

An expert is an ordinary fella away from home.

― Bum Phillips Quotes

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Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.

 
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