The most confusing story of the 2009 Indianapolis Colts' offseason is finally nearing what for weeks has seemed an inevitable, happy end -- most likely to the betterment of the offense. And to the betterment of the Colts.
Tom Moore is coming back. So is Howard Mudd.
Mudd, the team's offensive line coach the past 11 seasons, and Moore -- the offensive coordinator during the same historically productive offensive span -- will return as consultants, Colts Owner and Chief Executive Officer Jim Irsay told the Indianapolis Star Saturday. Equally significant was what else Irsay told the Star:
The duo will play very significant roles.
After Moore and Mudd retired last month because of concerns over the NFL's pension plan, Irsay said the plan was for Moore and Mudd to return as consultants. But at the time, several questions remained over the logistics and details of their return, details Irsay said Saturday after the team's minicamp practice at Franklin College had been resolved:
They’re coming back. They’re coming back as consultants and they’re going to be involved big time. (Colts Head Coach) Jim Caldwell will determine what that will be. This was Jim Caldwell’s call ultimately. (Colts President) Bill (Polian) and I are there to support the head coach, and we do. I asked Jim what he wanted, and he wanted to see these guys come back and be part of things. Everything is good.
Irsay told the Star that Moore and Mudd will start getting paid August 1, but most signficant about this is that Irsay said they're going to be involved big-time. That means they're almost certainly going to be in nearly the same roles as before. I've seen people express concern over this situation because of chain of command or confusion of roles. I can't see either being problems. Not only won't Polian allow it, but if you know Caldwell, it's hard to imagine anyone working for him being confused about such a thing. There won't be meddling. There won't be people looking over shoulders. This was exactly why the Colts didn't promote Clyde Christensen to offensive coordinator or Pete Metzelaars to offensive line coach in recent weeks, but rather, had them perform the duties of Moore and Mudd while the two were away. They were waiting it out, with this the solution for which everyone hoped.
Now, what has seemed the inevitable solution is at hand, and although I don't think the absence of Moore and Mudd would have been tragic, their presence gives a familiarity and comfort that sure can't hurt.
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