Wade Phillips’ departure from Denver came as a surprise to many around the NFL. The long-time defensive coordinator led an elite Broncos defense for the past two seasons, but the two sides did not agree on a new deal before Phillips’ contract expired this month.

Phillips was hired as the Rams defensive coordinator last week.

Charlie Campbell of Walter Football reported Monday that there was more to Phillips’ breakup with the Broncos than previously believed.

Campbell’s report said: “The Los Angeles Rams’ hire of Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator was met with a lot of acclaim. That was understandable, as Phillips’ defense led the Broncos to a Super Bowl victory a year ago. Many criticized the Broncos for allowing Phillips to leave with the transition to Vance Joseph. Sources with the Broncos, however, say that Phillips divided the locker room and pitted the defense against the offense. The divided locker room was toxic at the end of the season, and that was why the Broncos felt they would be better off to have Phillips depart.”

Phillips vehemently denied that he divided the Broncos.

Read more at denverpost.com.