Philadelphia Eagles fans knew things were a bit chaotic behind the scenes during the 2025 season, but more details are now coming to light about what is actually going on.
Typically, an offensive line coach leaving somewhere isn't particularly big news, but Jeff Stoutland's shocking announcement of departing from the Eagles has caused quite a stir in NFL circles and among the Eagles fan base. That's because Stoutland is considered one of the best offensive coaches of all time after 13 years in Philly, and now he's gone.
Stoutland has had three head coaches and several offensive coordinators in his time, so why now? Why all of a sudden move on from the team?
More details behind Jeff Stoutland's stunning departure from Eagles
ESPN Eagles beat reporter Tim McManus detailed how it all began for Stoutland last season. Some issues on the line, injuries, and the running game struggling led to changes, including his run game coordinator job being effectively stripped.
"Things were less harmonious this past season," McManus said in his article. "Injuries to right tackle Lane Johnson and others along the front played a part in the ground game's regression, but there were other dynamics at play. With the offense stagnant, head coach Nick Sirianni took on a more active role over the latter part of the season. He and then-offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo began incorporating different run designs in an effort to kick start the operation.
Stoutland was not consulted about the changes to what he felt was an appropriate degree, a league source said, to the point where he no longer desired the title of run game coordinator because he felt it no longer fit his job description.
That experience gave him pause about continuing on with the organization, the source added."
McManus added in his report that a scheme change geared more toward what Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan run under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion would have forced Stoutland to learn an entirely new system. The Eagles did offer Stoutland a spot on the 2026 coaching staff, but he declined.
In that same report, Stoutland's agent, Alan Herman, said Stoutland was frustrated that his voice wasn't heard within the organization last season. While there's a chance he could take a break, Stoutland is not expected to retire from coaching.
Last season, the Eagles finished 18th in the NFL in rushing with 116.9 yards per game, the lowest since Nick Sirianni has been the head coach. The offensive line had issues, with Johnson hurt and Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens trying to fight through injuries throughout the season.
There's a lot to unpack here, but the proverbial writing was on the wall for Stoutland to exit the organization, as he was most likely going to have less of a role within the Eagles if he stayed on. It's a shame that Patullo's injuries and lack of creativity in play-calling ended up falling on Stoutland.
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This kind of departure, after the A.J. Brown trade request and Vic Fangio's near-retirement, isn't going to make fans feel any better about what is happening in Philly. Something bigger is going on with so many people wanting to depart the organization.