Everyone has been reacting to the news that Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach and run game coordinator Jeff Stoutland announced he is leaving the team after 13 years.
Eagles fans have heard from some, like former center Jason Kelce, who have poured their hearts out about the impact he has had on their careers. One player who couldn't do it, though, was Eagles starting left tackle Jordan Mailata when radio host Mike Gill asked him about his reaction to Stoutland leaving the team.
"I can't talk about it right now."
Jordan Mailata couldn't respond to Jeff Stoutland news
It's easy to read between the lines with Mailata's response, as it is an emotional one for him. There might even be some anger with it since one of the best offensive line coaches in NFL history and one of the most beloved coaches in Philadelphia sports history is walking out the door.
Mailata was a seventh-round pick who was most likely going to be just a backup or practice squad player. Stoutland turned him into a starting left tackle who was a second-team All-Pro in 2024 and one of the best in the NFL right now.
The reaction from Mailata is one many Eagles fans feel right now as they lose someone who truly loved Philadelphia and was the definition of what the city wanted in a coach. He was tough, but a genius at what he did, turning guys like Mailata, Kelce, Lane Johnson, Evan Mathis, Brandon Brooks, and Jason Peters into great NFL offensive linemen.
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There may not be a position coach who ever comes to Philadelphia and has the kind of impact that Stoutland had. If it does, it's going to be a long, long time before that happens, so Eagles fans can fully understand that Mailata is feeling the pain right now.