Jason Kelce fires back at rumors over Eagles coach’s firing

Lehigh Valley sets Veterans Day ceremonies; watch PBS' 'Salute to Service 2026' with Jason Kelce.

The Lehigh Valley boasts a proud record of military service.

Its industry has long played a significant role in supplying the armed forces.

More than 40,000 veterans call the region home today.

That figure comes from the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council.

With Veterans Day falling in the middle of next week, some local communities will honor their fallen heroes this weekend.

From Easton to Kutztown, officials, American Legion Posts, school bands and more are set to host ceremonies and concerts.

The purpose is to honor those who have served in the armed forces.

And there is a televised special you can watch from home.

Check out PBS' “Salute to Service 2026,” which airs at 6 p.m. Friday on PBS39 and the PBS App.

Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce hosts the program.

He is joined by award-winning musician Jon Batiste and the U.S. Army Field Band.

The special is titled “Salute to Service 2026: A Veterans Day Celebration.”

It runs 55 minutes and is music-filled.

The program celebrates heroes through songs and stories.

This is not Kelce's first public appearance this week.

On Thursday, he appeared on the 94WIP Morning Show in Philadelphia.

During that appearance, he addressed a rumor about former Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.

A report from 97.5 The Fanatic's Bill Colarulo claimed that players had wanted a change in the run game.

The report suggested that the desire extended beyond head coach Nick Sirianni.

Kelce did not hold back in his response.

“I would take anything you hear from an unnamed source with a giant grain of salt,” Kelce said.

“Because ultimately that person isn't willing to stand behind it in front of a camera.”

He argued that unnamed sources often have an incentive or reason for sharing information.

“Usually that unnamed source has some type of incentive or reason that they're putting this out to a media member,” he said.

“And it's usually to cover their own behind.”

Kelce then defended Stoutland by describing how players treated the coach after his departure.

“When Jeff Stoutland left, or when Jeff Stoutland was announced he wasn't coming back, Jordan Mailata and his wife went to have dinner at his home and honor that man,” Kelce said.

“When Lane Johnson retired, he only met with one coach. Met with Jeff Stoutland.”

Kelce made clear that he took the rumor personally.

“I take great offense to somebody alluding to players not fighting really hard for Jeff,” he said.

“I don't know the way the last season went because I wasn't there. I know it wasn't great.”

“But that one very much upset me because the reason to move on from Jeff Stoutland had nothing to do with the players.”

“Had to do with the building wanting to go in a different direction. That's fine.”

“But don't give me this crap like trying to defer direction on the decisions you guys wanted to make.”

“That's all I'll say.”

Stoutland's departure was announced in February.

He had spent 13 seasons with the Eagles.

He joined the franchise in 2013 and worked under three head coaches.

He helped the Eagles win two Super Bowls.

His work with players such as Kelce, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata made him one of the most respected offensive line coaches in the league.

Kelce played 11 seasons under Stoutland.

Stoutland helped turn the Eagles' offensive line into one of the NFL's best.

The circumstances surrounding Stoutland's departure were more complicated than a simple coaching change.

Reports indicated that Stoutland became frustrated as Sirianni and then-offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo struggled with the system.

The Eagles ultimately parted ways with Patullo, but Stoutland walked out the door as well.

Kelce's frustration on the radio was centered on unnamed sources and leaks, not on Stoutland's departure itself.

He argued that sources who will not stand behind their comments publicly may have their own reasons for sharing information.

In his view, such reports can be an attempt to protect the people making organizational decisions.

Now, back to the Veterans Day special.

The Lehigh Valley has a full slate of in-person events as well.

Allentown will hold a Veterans Day recognition ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

It will take place at the Kasych Family Pavilion at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.

The ceremony will feature Chris Kuhns, a veteran and director of the Pennsylvania Military Museum.

Veterans who RSVP will receive a gift.

The Allentown Band will perform “Americans We: Tribute to Veterans Holiday Concert” at 3 p.m. Nov. 15 at Miller Symphony Hall.

Bangor will host the Slate Belt Heritage Center's Veterans Day program at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The program will feature veteran Perry Morris and a flag ceremony.

Bethlehem will hold a Salute the Troops concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at Northeast Middle School.