The Indianapolis Colts are shuffling the responsibilities of one of their legends. In 2017, the Colts had Robert Mathis join their staff as a full-time coach assisting with the team's edge rushers.
Even after Chuck Pagano was fired after the 2017 season, Mathis remained on new coach Frank Reich's staff. But Mathis will now be taking a small step back, as he's transitioning to a consulting role, according to Andrew Walker of Colts.com.
Reich revealed the news when he spoke to reporters at this week's NFL owners meetings. Reich said that Mathis will be “still kind of helping on pass-rush stuff, but not full-time. Just periodically coming in, helping out. So in spirit still with us.”
Article Continues BelowMathis retired after the 2016 season and immediately joined the Colts as a coach. Mathis' comments to reporters made it seem like the decision was his idea, as he is going to be spending more time training athletes privately.
“I'm still a partner with them. I'm just not a coach with the team anymore. They know my heart is in a good place. They know I have good intentions and that I want the best for them. This is one of the ways I feel like I can help them. It's a win-win because I still get to do what I'm passionate about in teaching while helping guys on the team I spent my entire career with,” Mathis said.
After being taken in the fifth round of the 2003 draft, Mathis spent his entire 14-year career in Indianapolis. A five-time Pro Bowler, Mathis finished his career with 123 career sacks. He's also the NFL's all-time leader in forced fumbles.