Stoutland takes Eagles job

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland has accepted the same position with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles under new coach Chip Kelly, Tidesports.com has learned.

Although Stoutland has yet to sign a contract, Tidesports.com has learned that the former Seattle Seahawks assistant has contacted several of UA's new signees to tell them he would not be part of the Alabama staff in 2013. Stoutland has overseen Alabama's offensive line for two years, both national championship seasons, after coming to the Capstone from the University of Miami.

He earned a $395,000 salary last season.

Kelly, only weeks removed from leaving Oregon for the Eagles job, is still in need of several assistants, including an offensive line coach. He has begun his staff with special teams coach Duce Staley, running backs coach Ted Williams and strength coach Keith Gray.

UA coach Nick Saban lost one other assistant coach during the offseason, secondary coach Jeremy Pruitt, and replaced him with veteran secondary coach Greg Brown.

A new offensive line coach at Alabama would have an immediate challenge as the Crimson Tide must replace three lost starters - guard Chance Warmack, center Barrett Jones and tackle D.J. Fluker. UA also lost its best blocking tight end in Michael Williams, making the Crimson Tide's offensive front among the more intriguing offseason competitions.

Spring practice at Alabama begins next month.

Pruitt left UA to become the defensive coordinator at Florida State.

Stoutland replaced Joe Pendry, who retired from coaching for an administrative role at UA after the 2010 season. Stoutland was first linked to the Eagles in a report by footballscoop.com.

Reach Chase Goodbread at chase@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0196.