Former Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Chris Kuper has found a new home in the NFL.
Early Monday morning, Tom Pelissero had the report.
“The Eagles are hiring Chris Kuper as their offensive line coach, sources tell The Insiders. Kuper spent the past four seasons in the same role in Minnesota, where he crossed paths with new Eagles OC Sean Mannion. Now, they’re teaming up in Philly.”
Kuper spent four seasons with the Vikings as offensive line coach. The former Denver Bronco guard was brought on as part of Kevin O’Connell’s original staff.
Former Vikings OL Coach Chris Kuper Replaces Jeff Stoutland in Philly
GettyDENVER, CO – OCTOBER 13: Offensive linemen Justin Boren #65 and Chris Kuper #73 of the Denver Broncos prpeare to protect the line of scrimmage for quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos as the face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 13, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Jaguars 35-19. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Kuper’s signing with Philadelphia comes after the departure of Jeff Stoutland. Stoutland gave a public address to the Eagles’ fanbase on social media.
“Philadelphia, I’ve decided my time coaching with the Eagles has come to an end. When I arrived here in 2013, I did not know what I was signing up for. I quickly learned what this city demands. But more importantly, what it gives back. The past 13 years have been the great privilege of my coaching career. I didn’t just work here, I became one of you. Stout out.”
ESPN’s Tim McManus reported that Stoutland is not expected to coach next season. The 63-year-old reportedly turned down an offer to stay under new offensive coordinator and former Vikings QB Sean Mannion.
Stoutland remained with the Eagles through multiple head coaching changes, and was the running game coordinator in Philadelphia for Saquon Barkley’s magical 2024 season.
Kuper Tries to Fill Big Shoes
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 09: Christian Darrisaw #71 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Chris Kuper has extremely large shoes to fill. The Eagles’ offensive line has been the NFL’s gold standard for a long time now. The Vikings’ offensive line hasn’t exactly been considered a great unit over the last four years.
In 2025, the Vikings offensive line had a 69.1 pass blocking PFF grade, 14th in the league. They also boasted a 82.6 run blocking grade, 13th in the NFL. This is decently impressive, as there were injuries all over the offensive line last season. Christian Darrisaw obviously wasn’t 100% all year coming off a torn ACL, Ryan Kelly fought concussions all year long, and Brian O’Neill was consistently banged up.
The hate against Kuper may have been a little overblown, but PFF grades don’t tell the whole story. There were a lot of times last season where whoever was playing QB that week was pressured immediately.
Also in fairness, J.J. McCarthy didn’t do a lot in his first six starts in 2025 to make the offensive line look great.
Former Vikings Coach Finds New Home