Commanders’ Ron Rivera fires defensive line mentor, cites ‘difference in the philosophy’

The Washington Commanders have fired defensive line coach Sam Mills III just a handful of times into the get started of coaching camp. 

Ron Rivera, who is heading into his 3rd season as head mentor in Washington, declared that he relieved Mills of his duties on Tuesday, telling reporters that Jeff Zgonina would just take over as defensive line coach.  

Washington Soccer Group defensive line coach Sam Mills III during the New Orleans Saints sport at FedEx Industry on Oct. 10, 2021. (John McDonnell/The Washington Put up via Getty Visuals)

"I manufactured a improve on the coaching personnel," Rivera told reporters on Tuesday. ‘I relieved Sam Mills of his responsibilities. Just a different philosophy for the most part. And we’ll go from there."

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"Just some observations," Rivera added. "To me, I just felt it was a transform I desired to make. Experience there was a minor bit of a change in the philosophy."

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera watches his staff practice at their education facility, Aug. 5, 2022, in Ashburn, Virginia. (G3 Box News Image/Alex Brandon)

Rivera instructed reporters it was a choice he made himself, not inquiring any of the players for their input. Rivera extra that the transfer stemmed from the 2022 offseason and instruction camp, and was considerably less about the struggles of the defensive line all through the 2021 period. 

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Rivera and Mills have a long background of working together, with Mills paying the 2011 by means of 2019 seasons in Carolina with Rivera. Mills joined the Commanders in January 2020. 

Commanders mentor Ron Rivera waves to lovers as he arrives for apply Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, in Ashburn, Virginia. (G3 Box News Image/Alex Brandon)

"Quite tricky. I have recognized Sam a lengthy time, and (he is) a incredibly superior football mentor," Rivera said of their marriage, in accordance to NFL.com. "And I genuinely enjoy every little thing that he is finished. He helped us earn the division the first calendar year, and matters acquired difficult past 12 months. There were some issues I felt I wanted to change."

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Rivera informed reporters that he experienced under no circumstances designed a improve on his coaching staff through training camp, and gamers ended up instructed prior to follow, according to ESPN.

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"It can be unfortunate," Washington defensive tackle Jon Allen reported. "Me and mentor Sam have been receiving together effectively, we ended up really creating some progress as a defensive device. It can be the NFL folks have to try to remember it can be a fantastic game but a awful company."

Washington opens the preseason on Aug. 13 versus the Carolina Panthers.