Bum Phillips Head Coach Era
The cowboy who brought hope to the Dome and ended decades of losing.
Charles 'Bum' Phillips arrived as a charismatic figure known for his cowboy persona and experience with the Houston Oilers. His tenure is historically significant not for championships, but for breaking the franchise's long-standing curse of perpetual losing.
- best_season_record
- 8-8 (1987)
- playoff_appearances
- 0
- franchise_milestone
- First non-losing season in club history
- stadium_era
- Louisiana Superdome
- coaching_style
- Offensive-minded, personality-driven
Lore & Background
The team regressed to a 5-11 record, leading to Phillips' dismissal at the season's end. His legacy remains one of transition—a bridge between the franchise's early struggles and future competitiveness. He is remembered fondly by fans for his genuine love of New Orleans and his effort to bring respectability back to the gold and black.
In Their Own Story
The humidity hung heavy over the Superdome as the fourth quarter ticked away. Phillips stood on the sideline, his black cowboy hat pulled low against the bright stadium lights. He adjusted his boots in the turf grass, watching his defense line up for one last stand. There was no playbook in his hand, just a quiet confidence. The crowd roared, not for a victory yet secured, but for the simple fact that they were finally fighting for something meaningful.
Reader's Guide
Charles 'Bum' Phillips arrived in New Orleans in 1986 as a beacon of hope for a franchise defined by struggle. Having previously led the Houston Oilers to legendary status, his hiring signaled an attempt to professionalize and energize the Saints' culture immediately upon arrival. The initial season proved difficult, with the team finishing near the bottom of the NFC West standings once again. However, the 1987 campaign marked a historic turning point for the franchise. Under Phillips’ leadership, the Saints achieved an 8-8 record, becoming the first team in their history to finish a season without losing more games than they won. This milestone ended nearly two decades of consecutive losing seasons dating back to the club's founding. The atmosphere in the Superdome shifted noticeably as fans began to believe in genuine competitiveness. Despite this progress, consistency remained elusive. Ownership and management decided that further changes were necessary to reach playoff contention. Phillips was relieved of his duties following the campaign, closing a brief but memorable chapter.
Did You Know?
- Bum Phillips wore cowboy boots and a hat on the sideline during every Saints home game in this era.
- The 1987 season remains one of only a few times in early franchise history where the team finished above .500.
- He previously coached Warren Moon with the Houston Oilers before arriving in New Orleans.