Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons on Friday night when he was arrested and charged with misdemeanor operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The incident unfolded in suburban Minneapolis at 11 p.m. CT, just hours before the team’s scheduled departure for a game against the Raiders in Las Vegas.

Phillips, 44, was released at 1:26 a.m. CT after posting a $300 bond, with an initial court appearance set for December 21. The Vikings organization addressed the situation, stating that Wes had promptly informed the team of his arrest. Following internal discussions, the decision was made for Phillips to travel with the team to Las Vegas. The team expressed intentions to gather more information before making further comments.

Who is Wes Phillips?

Wes Phillips, born on February 17, 1979, is an American football coach and the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. His coaching journey spans 17 NFL seasons, with stints in Washington, Dallas, Los Angeles, and now Minnesota. Notably, he joined the Vikings in 2022 under coach Kevin O’Connell.

Hailing from a football legacy, Wes is the son of the renowned Wade Phillips, former head coach for the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Cowboys, and the grandson of the late Bum Phillips. Born in Houston, Texas, Wes Phillips began his coaching career after playing professionally in the af2 arena football league.

His coaching trajectory includes roles at West Texas A&M University, Baylor, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Rams, and finally, the Minnesota Vikings. Notably, he earned his first Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI.

Wes Phillips’ commitment to football and coaching excellence is evident in his diverse coaching roles, from quarterbacks coach to tight ends coach and pass game coordinator. As the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, the recent incident brings a moment of adversity for Phillips, who will undoubtedly face scrutiny both professionally and personally in the coming days.