"A day before he was scheduled to interview for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach's job, Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips pulled himself out of contention Thursday.

Phillips, 64, was scheduled to interview following the Texans practice in Houston on Friday, but sources with knowledge of the Bucs' coaching search said he called general manager Mark Dominik early Thursday evening and told him he was pulling out.

The notification from Phillips came shortly after Phillips said during an afternoon news conference that he preferred to stay in Houston.

"My first priority is to be here, "Phillips said. "I like it here. I love it here. We've had such a magical year and we're going to keep it going so that's my first choice.''

Phillips was one of several veteran head coaches being considered for the job that opened up Jan. 2 when the Bucs fired Raheem Morris following a 4-12 finish that included 10 straight losses to end the season.

The Bucs have already interviewed Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and former NFL coaches Mike Sherman, Marty Schottenheimer and Brad Childress.

The Bucs sought permission to speak to Phillips two weeks ago, Phillips said, and scheduled the interview for late Friday in Houston so that it would not interfere with Phillips' preparations for Sunday's playoff game at Baltimore."