In his memoir Son of Bum, decorated NFL coach Wade Phillips shows that the roots of his knowledge come from his father, Bum Phillips. A beloved character in NFL history, Bum taught Wade from the beginning that “coaching isn’t bitching,” as well as how to have perspective on the game during tough times. These are lessons that apply both on the field and off, and Wade has passed this wisdom down to his son, Wes Phillips, an NFL coach himself.

Known for his homespun, plain-talking ways, Wade is a groundbreaking coach who has long believed in using support and camaraderie—instead of punishment and anger—to inspire his players to be winners on and off the field. And though his defensive concepts are revolutionary, he would say they begin with common sense.

Son of Bum is more than one man’s memoir - it’s a story of family and football and a father who inspired his son.