Former Chiefs OL coach Howard Mudd dies at 78
Longtime NFL offensive line coach Howard Mudd has died, succumbing to injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident that occurred two weeks ago. Mudd was 78 years old.
Mudd played in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears from 1964-1970. He got his first NFL coaching job with the San Diego Chargers in 1974. His longest coaching stint was spent with the Indianapolis Colts from 1998-2009, during the Peyton Manning era. Most recently, Mudd served as Senior Offensive Assistant with the Colts in 2019.
Mudd coached the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line from 1989-1992 under head coach Mart Schottenheimer. He coached Chiefs greats on the offensive line like John Alt, Dave Szott and Tim Grunhard. Players like Christian Okoye racked up thousands of rushing yards behind his offensive lines during those four years.
Mudd also has an attachment to the current coaching staff in Kansas City, serving as Andy Reid’s offensive line coach on the Philadelphia Eagles from 2011-2012. Reid brought him to the Eagles out of retirement. That run wasn’t quite as successful for the coach as his time with the Chiefs. Still, Mudd is recognized as one of the great offensive line coaches in NFL history. His contributions to Kansas City and beyond led to many won games.
Mudd’s family released the following statement, via longtime Colts reporter Mike Chappell:
“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.
Please know that we appreciate all the support & love & prayers for our family. He was loved by so many. We are missing a link in our family & at this time trying to support one another.
No funeral planned. However, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or Howard’s favorite: Indianapolis Great Pyrenees Rescue, Indianapolis, IN.We love you all.
Mudd family”
