Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

It's been 16 years since Wade Phillips began his two-year run as head coach for the Broncos. He said he learned important lessons during those two seasons, but he's not one to dwell on the past.

"Hopefully, I learned to win," he said. "I'm a better coach. It's hard to win in this league, and I've been lucky for 11 years to not have one losing season. I'm just lucky to be where I am now."

Phillips has developed an excellent reputation as a defensive coordinator over the years, but unless something changes in a hurry, his legacy as a head coach won't be nearly as impressive. Phillips' father, Bum, was one of the most beloved coaches of his generation. Bum was an iconic Texan -- and that was a perfect fit for the Houston Oilers. Wade is probably a better tactician than his father, but he's never had the type of inspiring personality that could survive a down season or two.

When Phillips was fired in Denver, Mike Shanahan became the head coach and eventually led the Broncos to Super Bowl glory. Would that have happened if owner Pat Bowlen had stuck with Phillips?

"I don't know and I don't care," Phillips said. "It's gone. I don't look in the past except to try to learn from the past."