Roman Phifer enters his third season in the Lions personnel department after joining the staff 2018. Prior to Detroit, Phifer served as UCLA's Director of Player Development from 2016-17. With the Bruins, Phifer oversaw all aspects of day-to-day player welfare and life skills. He worked closely with the university's staff to monitor scholastic progress and was also the primary facilitator for all Bruin Football community outreach.
A former All-American at UCLA, Phifer went on to play 15 seasons in the NFL and was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round (31st overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft. After eight seasons with the Rams, he spent two seasons with the New York Jets (1999-2000) before joining the New England Patriots. In just four seasons (2001-04) with New England, Phifer helped the franchise capture three Super Bowl titles (XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX) before concluding his playing career with the New York Giants in 2005.
During Phifer's time in the NFL, he was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate four times and was the Rams' "Ed Block Courage Award" winner, an honor bestowed to the player and selected by his teammates that "exemplifies commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage." Following his playing career, Phifer was hired as an assistant linebackers coach with the Denver Broncos, where he spent two seasons (2009-10).
