Kelce Rejects Report Eagles Wanted Stoutland Gone
Former Eagles center Jason Kelce pushed back on reports that players wanted offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland removed.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
Jason Kelce criticized a report that Eagles players wanted Jeff Stoutland gone, saying he takes great offense at the suggestion that players did not fight hard for the longtime offensive line coach. Stoutland left the Eagles organization in January after 13 seasons.
Why it matters
The remarks add a public voice from a former player to a debate over why Stoutland departed amid reported friction with head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Kelce attributed the move to the building wanting to go in a different direction.
The figure at issue is Stoutland's 13-season tenure with Philadelphia, which ended in January. Whether players wanted him removed remains disputed, with the claim coming from a single radio report that Kelce now contests.
The players
Jason Kelce
Former Eagles center who won a Super Bowl with Philadelphia and became a prominent media figure after retiring.
Jeff Stoutland
Longtime Eagles offensive line coach who spent 13 seasons with the team and is widely respected for his player development work.
Nick Sirianni
Head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, reportedly at odds with Stoutland over coaching direction.
The details
Bill Colarulo of 97.5 The Fanatic reported that Eagles players wanted a new offensive line coach, and ESPN reported that Stoutland butted heads with Sirianni and Patullo. Kelce made his comments on the 94WIP morning show, and Jordan Mailata and his wife, Niki, hosted a dinner honoring Stoutland after his departure.
Timeline
January 2026: Stoutland leaves the Eagles organization after 13 seasons.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Colarulo reports that Eagles players wanted a new offensive line coach.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Kelce criticizes the Stoutland narrative on 94WIP.
Season Trajectory
Stoutland's departure follows the offensive line identity he helped build around the 2017 Super Bowl championship team. Whether the change marks a shift in the offense's direction will be judged against that standard as the season continues.
The dispute bears on how fans read the Eagles' coaching staff and offensive line direction heading into the season. Readers following fantasy or depth-chart decisions tied to the line may want to watch for any official confirmation of the coaching change.
The takeaway
Coaching changes on a championship-caliber line often prompt debate over who deserves credit for past success. This story shows how quickly a personnel decision can become a public argument among former and current players.
Further reading
For more Eagles coverage, see Football in our Philadelphia section.
