'Guy's like my father': Jordan Mailata 'heartbroken' over coach's exit from Philadelphia Eagles
Updated . First published at
A "heartbroken" Jordan Mailata expressed sadness over the news that Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach and run game coordinator Jeff Stoutland announced will vacate his longtime role.
The Australian has long credited Stoutland's coaching and guidance as a pivotal factor in turning him from a seventh round draft pick with no experience playing the sport, into an All-Pro left tackle seven years later.
According to NFL Network, Stoutland will not completely sever ties with the organisation, although no future role was specified.
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Jordan Mailata Getty
"I bawled my eyes out," Mailata told PHLY Eagles on Thursday. "Talked to Stout, and I couldn't formulate a sentence. I was just crying."
"Heartbroken. Pretty glad I'm here," he told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "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. 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 the time to myself. Yeah, it's hard. It got me."
Mailata also posted on social media: "I don't think there are enough words I can put in a social media post on what I think of the man and how much he has helped change my life," he said.
Stoutland and Mailata in 2025. Getty
"To be honest, selfishly, I'm very heartbroken."
The Eagles are going in a new direction with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, after Kevin Patullo was fired.
Stoutland, 63, was exclusively a college coach before joining the Eagles' staff in 2013 after serving as the offensive line coach at Alabama.
Philadelphia went to the playoffs eight times during his run with the team and won two Super Bowls.
"Philadelphia, I've decided my time coaching with the Eagles has come to an end," Stoutland posted to X. "When I arrived here in 2013, I did not know what I was signing up for. I quickly learned what this city demands. But more importantly, what it gives back.
"The past 13 years have been the great privilege of my coaching career. I didn't just work here, I became one of you. Stout out."