Longtime NFL assistant coach and former All-Pro offensive lineman Howard Mudd died Wednesday. He was 78.
Mudd had been in an intensive care unit in Seattle two weeks ago following a motorcycle accident. His family announced his death on Wednesday in a statement:
“It simply came to our notice then [as a family] took the decision to focus carefully on giving Howard the most comfort. Right after the accident he fights so hard against every opportunity to communicate with us that he loves us and that he knows we love him. Yesterday it became clear that he was ready and that we needed him to surround him with love and fight for his right to comfort and peace.
‘In the morning he was surrounded in the room by his sons [Darren and Adam] who held his arms and prayed over him when he died. “
From All-Pro to legendary line coach
Mudd played offensive line for the 1964-1970 San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears. He was named three times after the Pro Bowl and once named All-Pro. He’s been a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s.
After retiring as a player, Mudd returned to the NFL as an offensive line coach with the San Diego Chargers in 1974. He coached for seven different teams before retiring in 2012, most notably a stint with the Indianapolis Colts. from 1998-2009 which included Peyton Manning era and a Super Bowl victory after the 2006 season
“In my opinion, Howard Mudd was the best offensive line coach in NFL history,” Manning said in a statement released by the Colts. ‘I would put him on that pedestal every day of the week.
‘He will be missed by many. I know so many like me are grateful to have played him. ”
Mudd spent the last offseasons with the Colts before retiring to training camp in September. Head coach Frank Reich brought him in to help train a young, talented offensive line anchored by All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson.
“For me, that was unbelievable, because a lot of what I learned in the running game and in the protection world is from my first time here with Howard,” Colts head coach Frank Reich said when Mudd left.
Mudd’s legacy as a line coach
According to the Indianapolis Star, Mudd’s offensive line with the Colts gave up the sixth sacks in the NFL in six different seasons and allowed the least number of sacks in each team’s league during his 192-game tenure. He taught a “jump set” approach to pass protection that instructed lineman to attack passersby instead of falling back and responding to defenders as they make their move.
Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted his respect for Mudd on the news of his death.
Rest in peace, Howard Mudd. Howard was a GREAT player during a short career and then became one of the highest offensive line coaches of the game. He has contributed to many different teams over 47 years in our league — but he will always be a Colt. #LoveYouHoward
– Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) August 12, 2020
