Phillips Says Bills Have Long Road To Get Back To The Super Bowl

Wade Phillips succeeded Marv Levy as coach of the Buffalo Bills and made it clear this team has a long road back to the Super Bowl.

“People remember the Super Bowls,” Phillips said Monday. “This isn’t a Super Bowl team. We have a big job to do, and we know that.”

Phillips, defensive coordinator under Levy, was the only person interviewed for the job. Sources said he signed for four years, averaging $750,000 to $800,000 a season.

“Certainly, I’m not Marv Levy,” Phillips said. “I’m going to be my own man. There are going to be some changes. We’re going to keep the first-class attitude and a lot of things that Marv started here.”

A search started for an offensive coordinator to replace Dan Henning, who was with the Bills for one season. Buffalo’s offense was largely blamed for the 6-10 record. The defense was credited for the victories.

Phillips has been a favorite of the players. Defensive end Bruce Smith and running back Thurman Thomas, among others, have said they respect Phillips for his calm demeanor and knowledge of the game.

“The fact that Marv Levy retired was devastating,” Smith said. “Nobody was prepared for it. The best thing this organization could have done is hire Wade Phillips as head coach and (linebackers coach) Ted Cottrell as defensive coordinator.”

Phillips was 16-16 in two seasons as head coach in Denver before being fired. He has spent 22 years in the NFL since being hired by his father, Bum, at Houston in 1976.