The Broncos and Josh McDaniels on Monday lured a three-time Super Bowl champion back into the NFL to help coach Denver’s defense.
The team said it hired Roman Phifer as assistant coach of linebackers. Phifer is a 15-year NFL veteran player who retired in 2005. This is his first pro coaching job.
The 40-year-old Phifer won three NFL titles as a linebacker with New England. In his four seasons with the Patriots he trailed only Tedy Bruschi in team tackles.
He played eight seasons for the Los Angeles Rams, leading them in tackles in three seasons. He was a second-round draft pick (31st overall) by L.A. in 1991.
He also played for the New York Jets from 1999-2000 and he was with the Giants when he retired.
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The Broncos also retained Keith Burns as coaching assistant for special teams.
Burns played 11 of his 13 pro seasons in Denver and has helped coach the Broncos’ special teams the past two seasons.
The moves complete McDaniels’ staff for next season.
