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Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro tackle Jordan Mailata addressed the sudden exit for Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland this offseason.
Former second-team All-Pro offensive tackle Jordan Mailata didn’t sound as shocked as others were about Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland leaving the team this offseason. But that doesn’t mean Mailata wasn’t deeply hurt from the move.
While speaking to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane during Super Bowl week, Mailata described himself as “heartbroken” over Stoutland’s exit.
“[I’m] pretty glad I’m here. This is a welcomed business for me because I haven’t time to think about all that’s going on. I’ve welcomed it with open arms because I can’t think about it,” Mailata said. “I’ve been crying about it to be honest.
“Guy’s like my father. It hit me hard, and now I’m just kind of glad the Super Bowl week is keeping me busy, so I can deal with that when I get home when I have time to myself.
“Yeah, it’s hard. It got me.”
Stoutland was Mailata’s position coach for the tackle’s first eight NFL seasons. The Eagles offensive line coach played an intricate role in Mailata’s development.
The Australian came from a rugby background and became not only a starter, but a second-team All-Pro tackle for the Eagles, after being a 2018 seventh-round pick.
Jordan Mailata Addresses Jeff Stoutland Departure
Stoutland’s announcement that he wouldn’t return as Eagles offensive line and run game coordinator came as a surprise to many pundits and fans. Stoutland revealed his decision on X on Wednesday night.
Mailata didn’t know the announcement was coming either, but the tackle indicated to McLane that he had a feeling his days with Stoutland as his position coach could be numbered.
“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,” Mailata told McLane. “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.”
The tackle concluded saying he sees Stoutland wanting more free time to be around for his family.
Stoutland coached the Eagles offensive line for 13 seasons. His first campaign in Philadelphia was 2013 under Chip Kelly. Stoutland survived two coaching changes to win three NFC championships and two Super Bowls with the franchise.
Stoutland assumed run game coordinator duties in Philadelphia beginning in 2018.
Controversy Around Stoutland’s Exit
The Eagles offensive line coach didn’t depart this week without some negative fallout.
ESPN’s Tim McManus suggested in a report Wednesday that Stoutland didn’t leave Philadelphia just for more family time.
“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,” wrote McManus.
“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.”
McManus reported the Eagles offered Stoutland to stay in his role under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. But Stoutland declined.
A day after Stoutland’s departure, the Eagles hired Ryan Mahaffey as run game coordinator and tight ends coach. Philadelphia has yet to hire a new offensive line coach.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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