Mel Phillips

For the American radio programmer, see Mel Phillips (radio programmer).

Melvin Phillips Jr. (born January 6, 1942), is an American former professional football player and coach. He played his entire 12-year NFL career, from 1966 to 1977, with the San Francisco 49ers.

Mel Phillips

No. 32
Position	Safety
Personal information
Born	(1942-01-06) January 6, 1942 (age 83) Shelby, North Carolina, U.S.
Height	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight	198 lb (90 kg)
Career information
High school	Cleveland (Shelby, North Carolina)
College	North Carolina A&T
NFL draft	1966: 5th round, 69th overall pick
AFL draft	1966: 19th round, 172nd overall pick
Career history
Playing
San Francisco 49ers (1966–1977)
Coaching
Detroit Lions (1980–1984) Defensive backs coach Miami Dolphins (1985–2007) Secondary coach
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life and education

Phillips was born on January 6, 1942, in Shelby, North Carolina, where he went to Cleveland High School.^[1] He went to North Carolina A&T State University.^[1]

NFL career

Phillips was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1966, as a 5th round draft pick.^[1] From 1966 to 1977, he played a total of 147 games for the 49ers.^[1]

Coaching career

Phillips coached the defensive backs for the Detroit Lions from 1980 to 1984. He was an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins from 1985 to 2007. Originally hired by Don Shula, Phillips was retained in order by Jimmy Johnson, Dave Wannstedt, Nick Saban, and Cam Cameron.