Report: Jeff Stoutland May Have Lost Run Game Duties — What It Means for the Eagles

A potentially significant report surfaced during Thursday's Birds 365 when Zander Krause brought up information from Jeff McLane's podcast indicating that Jeff Stoutland may have had his run game coordinating duties removed at some point during the 2025 season.

John McMullen said this was the first he'd heard of the report and indicated he would begin asking questions. But he also offered important context about what the 'run game coordinator' title actually means in the modern NFL.

The 'Cheers Title' Theory

McMullen compared the proliferation of NFL coaching titles to a classic episode of Cheers where the bar manager couldn't give raises, so she gave titles instead — and everybody was happy. He placed 'run game coordinator' squarely in that category, alongside relatively newer titles like 'defensive pass game coordinator,' 'assistant head coach,' and 'associate head coach.'

In practice, McMullen explained, most offensive line coaches in the NFL are responsible for game-planning the run game as part of their core duties. That includes designing run plays for various situations — goal line, short yardage, third and long — with everything funneling up through the offensive coordinator and head coach. That's always been Stoutland's role in Philadelphia, title or no title.

Why It Matters for OC Candidates

Where the Stoutland dynamic becomes genuinely important is in the OC search. The run game coordinator role has been a real sticking point with certain candidates. Cliff Kingsbury reportedly had concerns about it. Mike McDaniel, a self-described run game specialist who ran a different style than what the Eagles have employed, would have wanted control over that area.

McMullen noted that if the Eagles hire someone who wants to run a fundamentally different run scheme — outside zone instead of the Eagles' traditional duo and pin-and-pull concepts — that could create natural clashing with Stoutland's approach. In that scenario, Stoutland's future becomes uncertain regardless of his legendary status.

Stoutland's Remarkable Longevity

One of the most remarkable aspects of Stoutland's career in Philadelphia is his longevity across coaching regimes. He was originally brought in by Chip Kelly — one of the best moves Kelly ever made, alongside drafting Lane Johnson. Stoutland has survived coaching changes from Kelly to Doug Pederson to Nick Sirianni, which is extraordinarily rare for a position coach.

McMullen recalled that when Sirianni was hired, Stoutland thought he was out the door. Reporter Bruce Feldman reported at the time that Stoutland was heading back to Alabama. His wife's desire to stay in Philadelphia played a significant role in keeping him with the Eagles.

The Bigger Picture: Offensive Staff Upheaval

McMullen painted a sobering picture of the situation facing the Eagles' offensive coaching staff. Every position coach — Stoutland, Singleton, Morehead, Jason Michael — is essentially in limbo waiting for the OC hire. Their futures depend entirely on who gets the job and how much autonomy that person is given to pick their own assistants.

McMullen acknowledged the human toll, noting these coaches have families on edge not knowing whether they'll have jobs. It's a tough profession, and the extended OC search has only made it worse for everyone waiting for clarity.