Howard Mudd, Legendary NFL OL Coach, Dies at Age 78

Howard Mudd, who spent five decades as an NFL offensive line coach, died Wednesday. 

He was 78.

The Mudd family released the following statement, provided by Mike Chappell of FOX59:

"We want to share that yesterday we (as a family) made the decision to focus care on providing Howard the most comfort. Right after the accident he fought so hard against all odds to communicate to us that he loves us and that he knows we love him. Yesterday, it became clear that he was ready and that we needed to surround him with love and fight for his right to comfort and peace.

"This morning he was surrounded in the room by his sons (Darren and Adam) who held his arms and prayed over him as he passed away.

"Howard deeply loved and enjoyed his many friends and family. Please honor Howard today and every day by sharing a belly laugh with a loved one, or telling a stupid joke, or calling up a friend to tell them you are thinking of them."

Mudd had been in the intensive care unit since suffering multiple serious injuries in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago.

An offensive guard who made three Pro Bowls during a seven-year NFL career that ended because of injury, Mudd began coaching offensive lines at Cal in 1972. He returned to the NFL after one year at Cal, coaching for the Chargers, 49ers, Seahawks, Browns, Chiefs and Colts before his first retirement in 2009. He returned two years later with the Eagles in 2011 and 2012 before retiring again. His career officially ended in September 2019 when he left his special offensive assistant position with the Colts.

Mudd's most extended stint came in Indianapolis, where he and offensive coordinator Tom Moore gave Peyton Manning stability for the first 12 years of his career. Mudd was instrumental in making players like undrafted free agent Jeff Saturday stars and keeping Manning upright.

"Rest in peace, Howard Mudd. Howard was a GREAT player during a shortened career and then became one of the game's all-time greatest offensive line coaches. He contributed to many different teams over 47 years in our league—but he will always be a Colt," Colts owner Jim Irsay said in a statement.

Mudd is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their children.