Over the past decade, the Indianapolis Colts have been one of the most successful franchises in sports. Some constants (Peyton Manning, for example) are easily identifiable to the casual football fan, while others are not. Howard Mudd is part of the latter group. Mudd is a 67-year-old offensive line coach. He has been with the Colts since 1998. Along with offensive coordinator Tom Moore -- who also started with the Colts in '98 -- Mudd retired in May due to concerns with the NFL's pension plan. The Colts then brought both back under different titles, though they will hold the same duties this upcoming season. For Mudd, 2009 will be his last season as a football coach.
"This is my last trip around the world or my last roundup, whatever that is,'' Mudd said after this morning's training camp practice at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.The news is likely bittersweet for the Colts and their die-hard fans. While fans of Mudd will be happy for him, as he is finally able to retire, the loss for the team next summer will be significant.
Mudd is widely regarded as one of (if not the) best offensive line coaches in the NFL. He tutored Jeff Saturday from an afterthought into a Pro Bowler and has always found a way to piece together a unit that keeps Manning healthy for every game in every season.
