Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips was arrested Friday night and charged with misdemeanor operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert notes.
Phillips’ blood alcohol content was tested after he was stopped on I-394 at roughly 9:45pm, per the Minnesota State Patrol. His BAC was 0.10, putting it above the legal limit (0.08) for the state of Minnesota. Phillips was booked later that night and released on a $300 bond a few hours later. He has a court appearance scheduled for December 21, and for the time being, he is on track to continue his team duties.
“Wes immediately notified the team following his arrest last night,” a Vikings statement reads. “This morning we contacted the NFL, and after internal discussion, made the decision Wes will travel with the team to Las Vegas this afternoon. We will continue to gather information regarding the incident and have further comment at the appropriate time.”
Phillips is in his second season as Minnesota’s OC. The former Rams staffer followed head coach Kevin O’Connell to the Vikings in his first coordinator opportunity. The team ranked top 10 in total and scoring offense last year, though it has taken a step back in both categories in 2023. Improvement could be coming soon with wideout Justin Jefferson set to return on Sunday, however.
Here are some other coaching notes out of the NFC:
- Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy had surgery for acute appendicitis earlier this week, threatening to keep him sidelined for Dallas’ upcoming divisional clash against the Eagles. It was announced at the time he intended to coach as usual, though, and that will indeed be the case. Owner Jerry Jones confirmed (via ESPN’s Todd Archer) McCarthy and Co. will be “business as usual” for tomorrow’s crucial matchup of NFC contenders.
- Returning to Minnesota, Vikings D-line coach Chris Rumph has departed the team to take a college position. Clemson announced this week Rumph has joined the team’s staff under the title of assistant head coach/defensive ends. The 51-year-old took a leave of absence from the Vikings in October, and he will now return to the Tigers after coaching with them from 2006-10. Vikings assistant defensive line coach Pat Hill has filled in for Rumph during his absence, along with assistant head coach Mike Pettine and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Seifert notes. That arrangement will likely continue for the rest of the season with Rumph’s future now clear.
Why don’t the Wilfs hire professional drivers for their team? A Vikings player or coach is arrested just about every year for drunken driving.
I’m going to guess they have drivers but expecting an intoxicated person to have the wherewithal to admit they need a driver is another thing.
They’re called adults. Does your boss pay your uber very night, no.
A lot of professional athletes are entitled and do not act like adults, clearly
Is he going to get let go like the Titans guy last year?
The Vikings have a better owner than crazy Amy so he will probably just get a reprimand. Why throw away playoff chances like the Titans did over something like this?
Mike McCarthy on the Cowboys’ sideline so soon after an appendectomy would be hardcore. Stephen Colbert had to put his TV show on hold for at least 2 weeks when his appendix burst.
That’s because he’s a weak individual.
Or it’s because his appendix actually burst …
A non player gets a DWI & there’s a question as to whether he’ll be on the sidelines or not but Vonn Miller smacks his pregnant baby mama & no question on whether he sits or plays…double standard