The Washington Redskins have lined up one interview for their newly opened defensive coordinator position.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that the team will interview Wade Phillips this week, according to a source.
The hire would be an intriguing one for Jay Gruden's team that already has 3-4 personnel in place.
Phillips was last defensive coordinator in Houston in 2013 and took over as interim head coach when Gary Kubiakwas fired during the season.
The son of legendary coach Bum Phillips has succeeded in every defensive coordinator position he's been in. From 1981-2013, Wade Phillips has manned five defenses, as either a DC or coach, that have ranked in the top three in yards allowed and 16 in the top 10, per Pro Football Reference. Only five of his defenses have finished the season ranked in the bottom quarter of the NFL. In his final three years in Houston, the Texans ranked seventh (2013), seventh (2012) and second (2011) in total defense.
The Redskinsreportedly enhanced executive A.J. Smith's role in the front office recently, per ESPN. Smith was working as a senior executive for Washington but is expected to take on a larger role in football decisions.
Smith, the former Chargers general manager, has experience with Phillips from their days together in San Diego.
Phillip's son Wes is the tight ends coach on Gruden's staff.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast previews this weekend's four Wild-Card matchups and predicts who will advance. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
