The Eagles are showing change can be very ugly

February 6, 2026 - 20:42

The Philadelphia Eagles' offseason, marked by significant staff turnover, is proving that the winds of change often blow in harsh and unexpected ways. While fans and analysts have clamored for adjustments following a late-season collapse, the reality of that transformation is now hitting home, and it's far from pretty.

The most poignant example is the departure of revered offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, a cornerstone of the team's identity and success for over a decade. His move to a front-office role, reportedly influenced by the hiring of new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, represents more than just a staff change. It signifies the end of an era and the dismantling of one of the league's most consistent and dominant units. Stoutland was not just a coach; he was an institution, responsible for developing Pro Bowl talent and establishing a relentless physical standard.

This single move underscores a broader, unsettling truth about organizational shake-ups: progress rarely comes without loss. The very changes demanded to revitalize the team's prospects are simultaneously stripping away pillars of its recent culture and stability. As the Eagles install new schemes and philosophies under a largely new staff, the absence of a figure like Stoutland will be profoundly felt, illustrating that the path to a hopeful future is often paved with difficult, and even ugly, goodbyes. The challenge now is to ensure this period of upheaval ultimately builds something worthy of the foundation that was torn down.