Washington Commanders fire DL coach Sam Mills after 'difference of philosophy'

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders fired defensive line coach Sam Mills on Tuesday, with coach Ron Rivera citing a «difference of philosophy.»

Jeff Zgonina, who played one season with Mills' father in the NFL, will replace him. Zgonina had served as Mills' assistant the past two seasons.

Rivera didn't elaborate on what he meant by a philosophical difference, but said it was «just some observations. I just felt it was a change I needed to make.»

Mills had been with Rivera since he was hired as Carolina's head coach in 2011. Mills was an assistant defensive line coach until December 2018, when Rivera elevated him to the main role after firing Brady Hoke. Mills then came to Washington after Rivera was hired in January 2020.

Mills' father, who died in 2005, was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame this past weekend.

Rivera said his history with the Mills family made the decision «very difficult.»

«I've known Sam a long time and he's a very good football coach,» Rivera said. «I appreciate everything he's done. He helped us win a division title our first year and things got tough last year, but there were some things I felt I wanted to change.»

Washington's defensive line underachieved last season amid questions about the group's chemistry and willingness to play within the system. That led to friction in a unit that had been accustomed to a different play style.

At times, Rivera questioned the football maturity level of some members of the group and fretted that it led to bouts of selfish play.

This past offseason, Washington released defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and allowed Tim Settle to sign with Buffalo in free agency. The Commanders drafted Phidarian Mathis in the second round.

«It's sad,» Washington defensive