Phillips Will Not Interview With Bucs

Updated: Thursday, 12 Jan 2012, 8:32 PM CST
Published : Thursday, 12 Jan 2012, 8:04 PM CST

HOUSTON - Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips confirmed for FOX 26 Sports he has chosen not to interview Friday with Tampa Bay officials in an effort to become the Buccaneers next head coach.

"I want to be here, that's what it really came down to," Phillips said. "I didn't want to be a distraction whatsoever, whether that was perceived or not.

"People talking about you interviewing on your day off and all that stuff. If you don't do well, always people are going to say that was a distraction. I sure don't want to be a distraction for this team at this time. That was part of it too.

The Texans play the Ravens Sunday in Baltimore in the divisional playoffs.

Phillips acknowledged that withdrawing from consideration for the Buccaneers' job was a hard decision.

"Yea, a little a bit because I certainly have ambitions," Phillips said. "You have to do what's best for you and your family and that's what I feel like I'm doing."

Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing is thrilled to hear the news that Phillips will continue as his defensive coordinator.

"Extremely happy," said Cushing in a text message to FOX 26 Sports. "Hope to have something going here for a long time."