Chip Kelly’s staff appears to be near completion.
Earlier today, we told you about defensive coordinator Billy Davis. And this afternoon, word has come down that Kelly has found his offensive line coach.
Sources tell FootballScoop.com that the Eagles will hire Alabama offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.
Stoutland spent the past two seasons on Nick Saban’s staff. He previously coached Miami’s offensive line from 2007 to 2010 and also spent time at Michigan State (2000-2006), Syracuse (1997-1999, 1986-1987) and Cornell (1992-1996). Stoutland recently coached guard Chance Warmack, who is expected to be a first-round pick, along with All-American Barrett Jones. He played his college ball at Southern Connecticut State and also was the offensive coordinator there from 1988 to 1992.
Stoutland’s credentials come with a bit of baggage. He was involved in the NCAA’s investigation of Miami’s program and Nevin Shapiro. Stoutland cooperated with the investigation, according to reports. But I found this nugget from AL.com to be noteworthy:
Stoutland was the only Alabama assistant coach not to receive a raise after the 2011 season. He makes $395,000 per year.
“I think as a university we make decisions because we think it’s the right thing to do,” Saban said in March 2012. “In the future, I think Jeff Stoutland deserves to get a raise based on the merit of the work that he’s done here, but I also think it wouldn’t be smart on our part to ignore other things that have happened. So, it is what it is.”
As for the Eagles, they’re expected to return three offensive line starters from injury: Jason Peters, Jason Kelce and Todd Herremans. I did a detailed breakdown of the offensive line yesterday.
Below is a YouTube video of Stoutland in action, although I’ll warn you that there’s nothing particular noteworthy about it.
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