Former Oilers coach Bum Phillips is back home after coronary bypass surgery.
Phillips, 81, returned home to his ranch in Goliad, about 150 miles southwest of Houston.He underwent surgery July 8 at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital after doctors discovered blockage in his arteries. They found no evidence of heart damage.
Hospital officials on Saturday said Phillips was progressing on schedule and will participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program, which is a standard course of treatment.
Phillips, with wife Debbie by his side, said his heart scare has led him to reflect on the last 81 years of his life."I really have enjoyed my life, enjoyed the people, enjoyed the people around me -- the players, the fans, everybody," Phillips said. "I've had a heckuva ride and I don't intend to give up now."
Phillips says he was never scared, despite his close call.
"Not really, you know. I don't know, I always felt like I was going to make it," he told Giff. "I didn't know how I was gonna make it right at that time, but I felt like I was gonna make it and I did."
Phillips says he appreciates the community's outpouring of love and support.