Eagles star makes heartbreaking admission about Philadelphia losing offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland
It is a massive loss that is already being felt by Eagles players.
The Philadelphia Eagles fan base felt a bit of an emotional earthquake this week with the news that long-time offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland would be leaving the team. Stoutland announced the decision himself on social media, and it was met with plenty of emotion from players and fans alike.
Jordan Mailata, a cornerstone offensive lineman in recent seasons for Philly, was asked about the coach’s departure and his impact during Super Bowl media week. His reaction made it clear how much Stoutland meant to him as a person and mentor.
Jordan Mailata had emotional reaction to Jeff Stoutland news
Mailata said that he immediately bawled when he heard the news. The now All-Pro offensive tackle has often credit “Stoutland University” as where he went to school before entering the NFL.
“I’m sure Stout will say something. As selfish as it is for me to want him there, I think it’s about time for him. I knew it was probably closer to the end maybe. I thought I had a couple more years with him. I think age, I think the time he spends away from his family is a factor. And now he’s going to become a grandparent. … I think he’ll want to be around for that.” — Mailata via Jeff McLane
Stoutland’s clear and immense impact on Mailata’s NFL career
The looming, impressive offensive tackle is one of the biggest success stories of Stoutland’s career. Along with Mailata’s own determination and hard work, the OL coach helped mold his athletic profile into one of the top tackles in all of football since he was drafted.
Mailata was actually playing rugby in Australia when the Eagles took him in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He then waited his turn, mostly behind veteran experience at tackle and then started taking meaningful reps in his third season in the pros.
Mailata was named a second-team All-Pro in 2024 and played a key role in Philly’s Super Bowl run.
He will be one of many players, current and former, that will make their opinions publicly known regarding this news. It’s a major domino to fall at this point of the offseason, and the task to replace Stoutland isn’t an easy one. We’ll see how the Eagles manage that.
Additionally, it is still up in the air if Stoutland will keep coaching or not. He has already gotten interest from a slew of other teams around the NFL since his announcement to leave Philly, according to recent reports.
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