ThePhiladelphia Eaglesknew replacing Jeff Stoutland would never be simple. Honestly, there probably isn’t a 'simple' way to replace someone many view as one of the greatest offensive line coaches in modern football. The legend spent thirteen seasons with the organization and enjoyed multiple Super Bowl appearances. He helped mold countless success stories. One of his greatest accomplishments has to be transforming an Australian rugby player who never played American football into an All-Pro. Jordan Mailata's story seems to get better each time we tell it.
Coach Stout, as he's affectionately called, is practically football royalty in Philadelphia. That's why all eyes immediately shifted toward Chris Kuper the moment he inherited the job. Apparently, the early reviews inside the locker room are encouraging, even though the shadow cast by Jeff Stoutland is already enormous.
Jordan Mailata already approves of Chris Kuper
Few voices inside theEaglesorganization carry more weight than Jordan Mailata. He's not just Philadelphia's franchise left tackle. He’s also living proof of what elite offensive line development looks like. From a rugby player with almost no football experience to one of the NFL's premier blindside protectors, Mailata became one of Stoutland's greatest success stories, so when he speaks about offensive line coaching, people tend to listen.
Advertisement
Recently, during an appearance on 94 WIP-FM, Mailata offered strong praise for Kuper while also refusing to play the comparison game everyone else keeps trying to play.
“I don’t draw comparisons.”
Honestly, that answer probably says everything Eagles fans needed to hear. Let's be real here. Kuper was always walking into one of the toughest position-coaching follow-ups imaginable. Fair or unfair, comparisons to Stoutland were inevitable from the moment the hire became official. Mailata clearly understands that, and just as clearly, he wants no part of fueling it. That's leadership. That's classic Jordan Mailata.
Chris Kuper may never fully escape the shadow of Jeff Stoutland, but if the respect he’s already earning from leaders like Jordan Mailata is any indication, he’s off to exactly the kind of start the Eagles were hoping for. If he is successful in developing the youngsters, like Markel Bell and Micah Morris, his reputation and resume will write themselves.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire:Jordan Mailata is excited about new Eagles assistant coach Chris Kuper