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Commanders fire defensive line coach Sam Mills III

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The Washington Commanders have moved on from defensive line coach Sam Mills III, head coach Ron Rivera announced after Tuesday morning’s practice.

Rivera cited a difference in philosophy as the reason for dismissing Mills and stressed it wasn’t about the defensive line underperforming in 2021. Assistant defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina will take over as Washington’s defensive line coach.

Zgonina played 17 years in the NFL, retiring after the 2009 season. He began his coaching career in 2013 with the Houston Texans. Zgonina also coached with the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers before the Commanders hired him in 2020.

Mills began his coaching career in 2005 with the Carolina Panthers, where his father, Sam, was a star linebacker. He was with the Panthers from 2005-19 in different roles, including all nine of Rivera’s seasons as head coach in Carolina.

The timing is odd for a coaching change. Coaching changes usually occur early in the offseason. In Mills’ first two seasons with Washington, he notably clashed with certain Washington defensive linemen about techniques.

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