We really don't know much about Sam Mills III's firing Tuesday, only that it was an oddly timed dismissal for a defensive line coach just days before Washington's preseason opener.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera didn't give many details on his reasoning, only that, based on his observations, "this was what needed to be done."
On Saturday, Mills attended the Hall of Fame enshrinement for his late father and was back at practice on Monday. By Tuesday morning, he was out of a job. This interview with 106.7 The Fan's Lynnell Willingham — recorded after practice on Monday — may be his last time speaking publicly under employment by the Washington Commanders. Nothing seemed amiss. It just seemed like another day at the office.
These are the questions and answers (Mills' responses in quotes):
What was the vibe like out there?
"It was good. Good energy. Guys coming back off their day off happy to work, and they know the games are coming, so we're getting closer, so the intensity has picked up."
You were in Canton this weekend for the Hall of Fame ceremony. How was that?
"It was amazing, just to be around those guys, the football history and see my father being inducted, being one of 362. It was a pleasure. It was a great honor."
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From a football standpoint, somebody that stood out to me is No. 91, [rookie defensive end] Jacub Panasiuk. What has he done and what attracted you guys to him initially to bring him in as a UDFA?
"The attraction was his hard work and he's come in here and he's continued that. He's learning, he's keeping his mouth shut and just learning as much as he can, absorbing, watching film, staying late in meetings. So I'm very, very pleased with that young man so far. He's got a bright future if it continues on this track."
One guy who has not kept his mouth shut through training camp is Chase Young. His impact and energy is still infectious even though he's not in right now. How big of a leader has he been for you guys?
"Yeah, he's our vocal leader. He is the voice that will keep us going. He has been great while he's rehabbing. He's been talking up a storm to the guys, encouraging. So it's been wonderful to have him here."
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