BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Sam Mills III has more than 17 years of experience as an assistant coach. Recently, Mills was brought in to be UAB’s defensive line coach. It’s a hire that fits right in with UAB’s “Be A Pro” mentality.
“On the football side of things, it’s treating them how to be like pros. Making them understand the process of preparation,” Mills said.
Mills III’s father, the late Sam Mills Jr., is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is also known for coining the phrase, “Keep Pounding,” a rallying cry to never give up no matter what life or the game of football throws your way.
Mills Jr. passed away in 2005 after complications from intestinal cancer. His son still carries that “Keep Pounding” mentality with him today.
“If I’m here it comes with me. It’s always with me on my wrist. It’ll be with me every day in this building. The guys will learn that it’s with me. It’s part of what we do in our daily preparation. It’s something that is going to be deep inside of not only myself, but I’ll convey it to our guys,” Mills said.
As far as why Mills decided to join UAB’s coaching staff after a 3-9 season, Mills says he believes in Trent Dilfer.
“I think it starts at the top with the head coach,” Mills said. “When you work with a guy that’s been a pro and knows what’s going on and what needs to be done, you want to have a helping hand in that.”
UAB’s spring practice begins on March 26.
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