TAMPA, FL - 2008: Richard Mann of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers poses for his 2008 NFL headshot at photo day in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Getty Images)

Veteran assistant coach is retiring from football and leaving the Steelers

He got to go out on his own terms for the most part.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Richard Mann is calling it a career after more than three decades of coaching.

Mann, who was in his fifth season with the National Football League franchise, spent 34 years in the league.

This isn't terribly shocking, even if Mann wavered here and there, as the coach stated back in July that this past season would be his last.

"This is it," Mann said in an article written by Chris Bradford of TimesOnline.com. "This year, for sure. Oh yeah, I'm gone. I'm on the clock. Told (Mike Tomlin) that. I just turned 70. That's it for me. I've had enough."

Mann has had some medical issues the last few seasons, including a knee replacement procedure.

With the Steelers entering the offseason in a less than desirable way, there are many questions about the franchise's staff moving forward. While the team, at least in an official capacity, has been silent regarding the future of guys currently on staff, Tomlin has already noted that he's evaluating all relationships.

As for Mann, he is a respected coach by all accounts and gets to ride off into the sunset the way he wants. Few people get to do that at the highest levels of football. Good for him. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.