Jason Kelce Defends Offensive Coordinator Amidst Fan Backlash

Following the Philadelphia Eagles’ disappointing exit from the playoffs, veteran center Jason Kelce is facing criticism from the fanbase for defending offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. The Eagles were eliminated by the San Francisco 49ers in a 19-point loss on January 13, 2026, prompting fans to scrutinize the coaching staff after a season marked by offensive struggles.

During a segment on Monday Night Countdown, Kelce analyzed the playoff defeat, highlighting that despite a well-rested team, quarterback Jalen Hurts managed only 168 passing yards and one touchdown. Key player A.J. Brown also missed crucial catches that could have significantly impacted the game. Fans quickly directed their ire towards Patullo, who has been under fire throughout the season for his play-calling decisions.

Kelce, however, chose to defend Patullo, emphasizing the need to hold players accountable. “I know that everybody is out on Kevin Patullo. I happen to know the guy. I love Kevin Patullo. I know he’s a great coach,” he stated. Kelce acknowledged the team’s offensive performance was not up to par, despite having the highest-paid offense in the league. He firmly believes the players had opportunities to secure a win but failed to execute when it mattered most.

The backlash against Kelce’s remarks was swift on social media. Fans expressed their frustration, questioning his loyalty and decision to support Patullo. One user tweeted, “How are you defending his play-calling?” while another criticized, “Kevin Patullo is clueless. Yeah, the players made mistakes, but how can you defend those routes on the biggest play of the game?”

The sentiment among the fanbase reflects a deeper frustration with the team’s overall performance this season, sparking debate about accountability within the organization. Kelce’s comments, which some interpreted as shifting blame onto the players, did not sit well with many supporters. A user summed up the sentiment by stating, “Kelce basically said he loves Patullo and blames the players.”

In response to the situation, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged the need to evaluate everyone’s performance, including Patullo’s. He refrained from providing clear answers regarding Patullo’s future with the team. “There will be time to evaluate everybody’s performance,” Sirianni noted, indicating a commitment to assessing the coaching staff and players alike.

As the Eagles look ahead to the off-season, the focus will be on addressing the issues that contributed to their playoff exit. Kelce’s defense of Patullo has sparked discussions about the balance of accountability between coaching staff and players, a topic that will likely persist as the team prepares for the next season.