Denver coach Wade Phillips goes from unemployed to Super Bowl

Denver coach Wade Phillips goes from unemployed to Super Bowl

SANTA CLARA (UNITED STATES) - The architect of Denver's upset Super Bowl 50 win was basking in the glow of victory on Sunday, a year after being without a job in the National Football League.

Carolina Panthers' quarterback Cam Newton is tackled by DeMarcus Ware of the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, on February 7, 2016

Denver's defensive co-ordinator Wade Phillips is credited with constructing the unit which has become the meanest defense in the NFL.

Against Carolina in Super Bowl 50, the Broncos' defense proved the difference, with Panthers quarterback Cam Newton sacked six times.

"A few days ago I said from unemployed to the Super Bowl, but now from unemployed to winning the Super Bowl is even better," said the 68-year-old Texan, who began his NFL coaching career with the Houston Oilers in 1976.

Phillips, whose career also includes stints as head coach with the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills joined Denver in January 2015 being jobless for the 2014 campaign.

Since then he has transformed the Broncos into the best defense in the NFL, with Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware the standouts.

"Winning the Super Bowl makes them the best overall as players," Phillips said. "I've been lucky to be around a lot of great defenses and a lot of great games, but this one topped it off.

"We almost led the league in every category so we've got to say this is a special all-time defense."

Phillips singled out Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Von Miller for praise after his match-winning performance.

Miller twice stripped Carolina Panthers star Cam Newton to help set up Denver's two touchdowns.

"He played great all year but the last two games, he even upped his game, which is a great tribute to his talent and what he can do," Phillips said. "He took over the game."

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