5 former Carolina Panthers players who would be great head coaches
By Dean Jones
Sam Mills – Former Carolina Panthers LB
This will never come to pass, sadly. But one would be making a huge mistake by omitting the late, great Sam Mills from this list.
The former linebacker looked to be on a successful coaching path with the team after a phenomenal playing career that embodies the entire organization to this day. Mills’ statue outside Bank of America Stadium is a stark reminder to “Keep Pounding” no matter what, something the iconic linebacker demonstrated inspirationally right until the very end.
Mills fought back serious illness to remain on the sidelines in a coaching capacity. Despite dealing with intestinal cancer that eventually cost him his life, the respected figure was a commanding sideline presence as the Carolina Panthers remarkably reached Super Bowl XXXVIII that remains one of the most extraordinary stories in franchise history.
There’s absolutely no question that Mills was on a direct path to becoming a head coach. A role he would have thrived thanks to his supreme man-management and overall leadership.
The impact Mills made on the Panthers will never be forgotten. And hopefully, the Pro Football Hall of Fame voters have done right by him during his final year of eligibility after the 12-year veteran was named a finalist once again.
Mills deserves his spot in Canton. A true fighter that gave everything to the game of football.