INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts offensive line coach Howard Mudd reportedly plans to retire because of prospective changes in NFL retirement benefits, according to a newspaper report.
NFL Coaches Association executive director Larry Kennan confirmed Mudd's plans Wednesday.
"Howard gave me his permission to talk about this because he doesn't want to and won't," Kennan told The Indianapolis Star. "He doesn't want to jeopardize what he already believes is a tenuous position."
The Associated Press left a telephone message seeking comment at Mudd's home.
Colts president Bill Polian said he believes Mudd is considering retirement, but the team has "not received formal notice."
"We have the highest personal affection and professional regard for Howard, and it would be inappropriate for us to speculate at this time about any decisions he might eventually reach," Polian said in a statement.
Polian wouldn't comment further.
Mudd, 67, has been with the Colts for 11 years.
The Star said Mudd's decision is based on prospective changes, approved at last month's owners meetings, in retirement benefits for NFL front-office employees and the possibility that he might not be able to take his pension in a full, lump-sum payment if he waits to retire.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
