AFC Notes: Colts, Ravens, Steelers

Colts

• Zak Keefer reports that Colts TEs coach Tom Manning is leaving for a job at Iowa State.

Ravens

• Jamison Hensley writes that the Ravens’ best options at backup quarterback next year are to either bring back Robert Griffin III or Tyrod Taylor. Hensley says that both players are experienced and are familiar with Baltimore’s unconventional offense.
• The Ravens have said that they’re open to bringing Griffin back and Hensley mentions that he separates himself from Taylor in terms of mentorship.
• Taylor does, however, have a history with the Ravens and Greg Roman, who was recently promoted to offensive coordinator.
• The Baltimore Ravens confirmed reports that RBs coach Thomas Hammock has been named head coach at Northern Illinois University.

Steelers

Steelers president Art Rooney II said they made contract offers to OL coach Mike Munchak to keep him in Pittsburgh, but he elected to play out his contract and relocate to Denver to be closer to his family.

“He preferred to do it his way,” Rooney said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I don’t know how long he was thinking about trying to do this. Obviously, it was important to him at some point to get back to the same city as his daughter and granddaughter. … He has a right to make the decision on when he wants to pull the trigger on a contract.”

• When asked about Steelers OLB Bud Dupree‘s future with the team, Art Rooney II said he’s had up and down moments but added: “I think there was some progress there this year. We’re looking for progress from him again (in 19).”
• Jeremy Fowler notes that Dupree’s $9.2 million salary under the fifth-year option of his contract becomes fully guaranteed if he’s on their roster as of March 13.