The Eagles have found their replacement for Jeff Stoutland, the legendary offensive line coach who decided to leave the organization last week.
New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion hired Vikings assistant Chris Kuper on Monday to oversee an offensive line regarded as the backbone of the Eagles’ recent success. The two worked together when Mannion was in Minnesota as a player.
Kuper, 43, spent the last four seasons as O-line coach with the Vikings and previously worked as an assistant line coach with the Broncos and Dolphins.
The Vikings missed the playoffs in 2025 after choosing not to keep quarterback Sam Darnold last offseason. Darnold, who had helped guide Minnesota to 14 wins, just won the Super Bowl with Seattle.
Kuper has big shoes to fill. Stoutland, 63, was in Philadelphia for 13 years and helped establish the Eagles as one of the NFL’s most consistently physical teams. It earned him near-universal respect both inside and outside the building.
The hire continues a broader reworking of the Eagles’ offensive staff under Mannion, who was introduced last month. Kuper, who played eight years as a guard with the Denver Broncos, grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. He was drafted in the fifth round out of North Dakota in 2006.
Kuper began his coaching career in 2015 as O-line coach at Columbine High School in suburban Denver before moving on to an NFL opportunity with the Miami Dolphins. Mannion, 33, was a backup quarterback for the Vikings in 2023 when Kuper was there.
Stoutland’s exit followed weeks of uncertainty surrounding his role. He was dissatisfied with adjustments to his responsibilities under a fluid offensive structure, including his removal as run game coordinator when head coach Nick Sirianni stepped in to try to help Kevin Patullo save his job as OC late in the year.
More importantly, Stoutland’s overall philosophy didn’t mesh with Mannion’s West Coast system, including pre-snap motion and zone-blocking concepts in the run game. Stoutland declined an offer to return in a revised position, ending an era that involved the development of multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro linemen.
By hiring Mannion and giving him autonomy to make key staff hires, such as Kuper and pass game coordinator Josh Grizzard, the Eagles are returning to a West Coast offense for the first time since Andy Reid’s departure following the 2012 season.
Minnesota’s offensive line results during Kuper’s tenure were uneven, particularly in pass protection in 2025, when the Vikings had a carousel of quarterbacks that included the oft-injured J.J. McCarthy, whom they viewed as the future of the franchise, Carson Wentz and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. Mannion was not retained when the season ended.
The Eagles valued his background as a former lineman and his familiarity with Mannion’s approach. Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell comes from the same West Coast school Mannion does, which includes Sean McVay, Kyle Shannahan and Matt LaFleur.
The challenge for Kuper will be maintaining a standard that has become ingrained in Philadelphia. Stoutland’s hard-driving methods — often referred to by players as “Stoutland University” — emphasized fundamentals, conditioning and communication, helping the Eagles remain effective even amid frequent personnel and head coaching changes.
That legacy has set high expectations for whoever followed him, especially in a city where line play is closely watched.
The Eagles’ offensive line — three-fifths of which was injured at various times last year —faces question marks this offseason, including health and whether five-time All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson decides to retire. Johnson, who turns 36 in May, missed the final seven weeks of the season with a foot injury.
Left guard Landon Dickerson underwent meniscus surgery in training camp and later battled ankle, calf and back injuries. Center Cam Jurgens had persistent knee and back issues and suffered a concussion in Week 11.
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Wide receiver A.J. Brown, the subject of trade rumors after he repeatedly expressed frustration with the offense, said during a Super Bowl podcast interview with Micah Parsons that Philadelphia is “home” and he’s looking forward to the Eagles “rediscovering” themselves under Mannion.
“I’m always excited,” he said. “You know, sometimes change is not a bad thing. I have the utmost respect for K.P. (Kevin Patullo). To me, he did a tremendous job and he has a great heart. But I’m excited for the season. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
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NOTES: The Eagles are currently a top favorite to win the 2026 Super Bowl at +1,300, tied with the Patriots and Ravens, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The Bills are at +1,100 followed by the Rams and champion Seahawks at +950.
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