26 Facts About Howard Mudd

Howard Edward Mudd was an American professional football offensive lineman and coach.

Howard Mudd retired in 1971 due to a knee injury, and began his coaching career at the University of California the following year.

Howard Mudd created the silent snap count to deal with fan noise, which is used by every NFL team.

Howard Mudd was born on February 10,1942, in Midland, Michigan.

Howard Mudd attended Central Intermediate School, where he played football and baseball, and Midland High School, where he was captain of the football team under coach Bob Stoppert.

Howard Mudd was an outstanding offensive lineman on the Midland High team that won the 1957 Michigan state championship.

Howard Mudd went on to play college football at Michigan State University, and Hillsdale College.

Howard Mudd played football for Hillsdale College from 1960 to 1963, where he was a starting guard, played some tackle, and was a team captain; winning an NAIA All-American selection, and two Associated Press All-State awards.

Howard Mudd was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the ninth round of the 1964 NFL draft.

Howard Mudd played seven seasons in the National Football League, with the 49ers from 1964 to 1969, and the Chicago Bears from 1969 to 1970.

Howard Mudd was a three-time Pro Bowl starter in 1966,1967, and 1968; an All Pro twice; and a member of the NFL All Decade Team for the 1960s as a guard.

Howard Mudd would go on to be an offensive line coach for 38 years.

Howard Mudd pursued a coaching career following his retirement as an NFL player.

Howard Mudd spent two years as an assistant coach at the University of California, before moving to the NFL, and coaching for the San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs between 1974 and 1997.

Howard Mudd then joined the Indianapolis Colts as an offensive line coach, where he coached from 1998 to 2009.

On May 6,2009, ESPN reported that Howard Mudd had filed his retirement papers due to a change in the NFL's pension program.

On May 20,2009, Howard Mudd returned to the team as the senior offensive line coach.

Howard Mudd planned to retire for good following the Colts' game against the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV.

Howard Mudd first advised the Saints during the 2010 offseason, then returned for the opening of training camp.

Howard Mudd was named the offensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, after being talked out of retirement by then Eagles head coach Andy Reid, on February 2,2011.

Howard Mudd wanted me and he looked at my strengths.

Everyone was talking about me being 'undersized' but Howard Mudd saw my strengths and he played to them.

The 71-year-old Howard Mudd retired again at the conclusion of the 2012 season.

Howard Mudd developed the silent snap count to deal with fan noise affecting communication between the quarterback and offensive line.

Howard Mudd died on August 12,2020, at the age of 78, of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident two weeks prior.

Howard Mudd was a GREAT player during a shortened career and then became one of the game's all-time greatest offensive line coaches.