The mood around the Philadelphia Eagles has been a roller coaster lately. What began as anxiety over the offensive coordinator vacancy briefly settled into optimism with the hirings of Sean Mannion and Josh Grizzard.
But that calm didn’t last long. Now, the focus has shifted once again-this time to the trenches.
Vic Fangio, the Eagles' defensive coordinator, reportedly flirted with retirement but is expected to return. That’s a win.
But on the other side of the ball, the Eagles suffered a major loss: Jeff Stoutland, the longtime offensive line coach and architect of “Stoutland University,” is stepping away from the team. And if you're an Eagles fan, that one stings.
Stoutland wasn’t just a coach-he was a culture. His fingerprints are all over the Eagles’ identity, especially in the trenches.
It’s no surprise that fans and media alike are clamoring for clarity, if not outright begging for a reversal. But with Stoutland now officially out, the Eagles are tasked with one of the most important hires of the offseason: finding the next leader of their offensive line room.
So where do they turn? Let’s break down some of the top candidates who could take over one of the most respected position groups in the NFL.
Greg Austin
If the Eagles want continuity, Greg Austin might be the most seamless option.
He’s already in the building, serving as the assistant offensive line coach. Promoting from within could help preserve the system and culture that Stoutland built, especially with so much turnover already happening on the staff.
Austin knows the personnel, the scheme, and the expectations. In a year of change, he could be the steady hand this group needs.
Eddie Gordon
Gordon’s name is heating up-and for good reason.
He worked with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion in the past and made a big impact in Green Bay last season. The Packers were one of only two teams in 2024 (alongside the Ravens) to rank in the top five in sacks allowed, total offense, rushing offense, and yards per play.
That’s not a coincidence.
Gordon’s resume also includes a successful stint at UAB, where his offense averaged 450 yards per game in 2023. He’s a rising star in the coaching ranks, and with his familiarity with Mannion, the fit makes a lot of sense.
T.J. Paganetti
Paganetti is a name that should ring a bell for Eagles fans. He’s been in and out of the organization for over a decade, with ties to Andy Reid, Doug Pederson, and Nick Sirianni.
Most recently, he served as Philadelphia’s run game specialist and assistant offensive line coach before heading to New Orleans.
He knows the system, the city, and the expectations. If the Eagles want someone who understands the DNA of this team and can step in with minimal ramp-up time, Paganetti is a prime candidate. Don’t be surprised if he gets a serious look.
Brian Natkin
Natkin brings nearly 20 years of coaching experience, including NFL stops with the Cardinals and Jets as an assistant offensive line coach.
He’s well-versed in the demands of the position and has worked with a wide range of offensive philosophies. If the Eagles are looking for a seasoned hand who can blend old-school fundamentals with modern concepts, Natkin checks a lot of boxes.
Kyle DeVan
DeVan is another intriguing option.
He’s young, but he’s already worn multiple hats as both an offensive line coach and a run game coordinator. He’s got a reputation as a strong developer of talent and a coach who understands the modern game.
DeVan could bring a fresh perspective to the Eagles’ offensive front while still honoring the physical, detail-oriented legacy that Stoutland leaves behind.
Roy Istvan
Istvan is a familiar face in Philadelphia, having served as an assistant under Stoutland from 2019 to 2023.
He’s been around the block, coaching at various levels since the 1990s, and he knows what it takes to succeed in this city. If the Eagles are looking for someone who can carry the torch while also injecting some new ideas, Istvan fits the mold.
Phil Rauscher
Rauscher is a bit of a long shot, but he’s got the credentials.
He won a Super Bowl earlier in his career and currently serves as the offensive line coach for the Georgia Bulldogs. While he just earned a promotion at UGA, the lure of the NFL-and a chance to coach one of the league’s most talented O-lines-could be tempting.
He knows how to communicate with pros, and his résumé speaks for itself.
Andy Dickerson
Dickerson has a direct connection to Mannion from their time together with the Rams, and later during Mannion’s final NFL season in Seattle.
Most recently, Dickerson coached the Raiders’ offensive line. That familiarity could be a factor, especially if Mannion wants someone he trusts to help install his vision in Philly.
Dickerson’s experience across multiple systems makes him a versatile candidate.
The Eagles are at a crossroads. Losing Stoutland is a gut punch-there’s no way around that.
But this offensive line still has elite talent and a strong foundation. Whoever steps in next will inherit a group capable of dominating on Sundays.
The key is finding the right voice to lead them.
Whether the Eagles lean on internal continuity or bring in a fresh face with ties to the new offensive staff, this hire will say a lot about the direction of the franchise. The next dean of Stoutland University has big shoes to fill-but the legacy is strong, and the opportunity is even stronger.