Andrew Miller

Luv Ya, Bum!

In the ’70s, Houston was booming... except for the city’s woeful pro football team. The Oilers gambled on hiring Bum Phillips, an unconventional East Texas coach known for cowboy hats, ostrich boots, and folksy one-liners. Ditching tradition and embracing a family-first atmosphere, Bum brought in 'misfits' and 'has-beens' to build a winner. At its peak, Bum’s Oilers blew up into the Luv Ya Blue!’ phenomenon, with Earl Campbell and the Oilers going to war with a Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty. Bum’s success on and off the field, his humanity and unique style left a legacy now carried forward by many, including his son and grandson, celebrated coaches Wade and Wes Phillips.