In a league where salaries often approach eight figures, one of the longest tenured assistant coaches in its history is calling it quits, thanks in part to the NFL owners deciding to change their policies on nonplayers pension plans.

According to Chris Mortensen (ESPN), Colts offensive line coach Howard Mudd has told the team he will be retiring immediately to take advantage of a full lump-sum payment on his plan right now, as opposed to annuity payments that can be reduced to 50% of value if Mudd passes on. Mudd has reached the maximum payout already, so from a financial point of view, his decision makes absolute sense.

For Indianapolis, the prospect of losing Mudd is not a good one, as he’s been widely credited as a key component of the team’s continued offensive success along with offensive coordinator Tom Moore. The Colts are currently working overtime to convince Mudd to stay, but at this point, his continued employment does not look promising.

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