The Indianapolis Colts looked to have suffered some significant downgrades to their coaching staff over recent months. Veteran assistant coaches Tom Moore (offensive coordinator) and Howard Mudd (offensive line) retired from the team this spring, reportedly over issues with the league's pension plan.The Colts were prepared to move on without Moore and Mudd, but they don't have to just yet. The team has announced that both will return as consultants.
Owner Jim Irsay says both will have "significant" roles.
"They're coming back,'' Irsay said after signing autographs and mingling with fans for 45 minutes following his team's practice. "They're coming back as consultants and they're going to be involved big time. (Head coach) Jim Caldwell will determine what that will be.''While they won't be in their old positions, it stands to reason both will have a significant say in what is going on.
One guy who should be thrilled about this change of course is quarterback Peyton Manning. While many think Manning just runs the offense himself, he has a ton of respect for Moore and Mudd. He didn't hold back a couple weeks ago when asked about their retirements.
"I wouldn't say I totally like the way it is right now," Manning said Tuesday during a break in one of the team's summer practice sessions. "It's not normal not having a full coaching staff.Even if they only stay on board for one more year, the Colts shouldn't have to deal with the shock of sudden departures the next time the pair decide to hang up the headsets.
"It's not a situation that I'm just thrilled about. I think the communication has been pretty poor, in my opinion. . . . Somebody says one thing, then somebody else says another thing. I'm not sure everybody's on the same page in this building."
