Career Timeline of Matt Nagy: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Matt Nagy, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Matt Nagy is an American football coach, currently the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants. He previously served as the head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2018-2021. Before his time with the Bears, Nagy was the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in two stints, from 2016 to 2017, and again from 2023 to 2025.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1986: All-American Quarterback

In 2000, Matt Nagy was named third-team I-AA All-American, becoming Delaware's first All-American quarterback since Rich Gannon in 1986.

1994: Led Manheim Central to PIAA Class AAA playoffs

In 1994, Matt Nagy, as the starting quarterback, led the Manheim Central Barons to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class AAA playoffs, reaching the semifinals against the Berwick Bulldogs. Despite a strong performance, Nagy's late interception sealed a 37–30 loss, ending the team's 26-game winning streak.

1995: Senior Year Success and Playoff Loss

In 1995, during his senior year, Matt Nagy threw for 1,928 yards and 21 touchdowns, and ran for 358 yards and six touchdowns. However, Manheim Central lost in the semifinal to Berwick for the second straight season, with Nagy being intercepted late in the game, resulting in an 18–17 loss. He was named Lancaster County Most Valuable Player at the end of his senior year.

1997: College Football Career Begins

In 1997, Matt Nagy began playing for the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens, contributing to a shift towards more passing in their offense.

1997: Replaced as Starter

In 1997, Matt Nagy replaced Ginn as starter in the I-AA playoffs after Ginn hurt his shoulder. Nagy helped the Blue Hens win against Georgia Southern in the quarterfinal, completing nine of 15 passes for 125 yards.

1998: Set School Single-Season Passing Records

In 1998, Matt Nagy set 11 school single-season passing records, including 2,916 yards in a season and 556 yards in a game. He ended the year with 20 touchdown passes and a 157.36 passer rating.

1998: Passing Record

In 2000, during playoffs, Matt Nagy's yards elevated Nagy's season total to 2,981, surpassing the school record he set in 1998.

2000: Increased Passing Attempts

In 2000, Delaware's offense attempted at least 30 passes in eight of thirteen games.

2000: Senior Year and Playoff Run

In 2000, Matt Nagy led the Delaware Blue Hens to a strong regular season, finishing ranked second in Division I-AA. He broke the school record for passing yards in a season, surpassing his 1998 record, and led the team to the I-AA playoffs, where they eventually lost in the semifinal to Georgia Southern.

2001: Interest from New York Giants

In 2001, After not being selected in the NFL draft, Matt Nagy attracted interest from the New York Giants as a free agent, but their acquisition of Jesse Palmer ended that possibility.

2001: Return to Manheim Central High School

In 2001, Matt Nagy returned to Manheim Central High School as quarterbacks coach.

2002: New York Jets Audition

In 2001, Matt Nagy had an audition with the New York Jets after beginning his arena football career in 2002, but it failed to result in a contract.

2002: AFL Debut and First Season

In 2002, Matt Nagy made his AFL debut with the New York Dragons, replacing Danny Ragsdale. He later became the starter, achieving a notable win against the Buffalo Destroyers. He ended his rookie year with 1,242 passing yards and 27 touchdowns.

2002: First Home Win

In 2004, Carolina scored 24 unanswered points in the third quarter and Nagy had four touchdown passes as the Cobras won 54–43; it was the Cobras' first home win since 2002.

November 13, 2003: Traded to Carolina Cobras

On November 13, 2003, Matt Nagy was traded to the Carolina Cobras in exchange for lineman Tim McGill.

2003: Departure from Cedar Crest High School

In 2003, Matt Nagy concluded his time at Cedar Crest High School, where he served as quarterbacks coach and head coach for the junior varsity football team.

2003: Kubiak's Injury History

In 2004, Matt Nagy felt Kubiak's injury history – he had missed much of the 2003 season with a herniated disc – gave him the best chance to play.

October 27, 2004: Signed with the Georgia Force

On October 27, 2004, Matt Nagy signed a one-year deal with the Georgia Force, citing the opportunity to play and the influence of Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank.

2004: First Game with the Cobras

In 2004, Matt Nagy recorded 282 passing yards and seven total touchdowns, leading the Carolina Cobras to a 67-41 victory over the Dallas Desperados, snapping a 17-game losing streak.

2005: From Kubiak to Director of Player Personnel

After 2005, Kubiak ended his playing career and became the Force's Director of Player Personnel.

2005: Stepping in after Kubiak's injury

In 2005, after Kubiak's season-ending injury, Matt Nagy stepped in as quarterback for the Force. In his first stint, Nagy completed 10 consecutive throws, the first being a six-yard touchdown to Troy Bergeron. Nagy's performance, which included 247 passing yards and seven touchdowns, led to a 66-63 victory and earned him Offensive Player of the Game. With Nagy as the starter, the Force went 11-5 in the regular season.

2005: All-Arena honors

In 2005, during the playoffs, Nagy showcased his skills with five touchdowns in a victory over the Storm and seven touchdown throws with a rushing score against the Predators, leading to ArenaBowl XIX. Despite a strong performance in the ArenaBowl with 247 passing yards, four touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, the Force lost to the Crush 51-48. In the regular season, Nagy completed 260 of 388 passes for 3,003 yards and 66 touchdowns, earning him second-team All-Arena honors.

August 19, 2006: Trade to the Destroyers

On August 19, 2006, Matt Nagy was traded to the Destroyers for lineman Mike Sutton after the Force coaches wanted to go in a different direction. Kubiak, the Force's Director of Player Personnel, was instrumental in this decision. Nagy left the Force holding team records for total passing yards (7,268), completions (632), and touchdowns (151).

2006: Breaking single-season records

In 2006, Nagy convinced Jamin Elliot to join the Force. Despite team disputes and trade rumors, Nagy broke franchise single-season records with 372 completions out of 527 attempts, 4,265 passing yards, and 85 touchdowns, leading the league in passer rating at 125.5. In the playoffs, Nagy threw for 362 yards and nine passing touchdowns in a win against the Dragons, before a second-round defeat by the Desperados.

2007: Passing Record Broken

In 2000, Matt Nagy ended the season with 3,436 passing yards, setting a school record that stood until Joe Flacco eclipsed the mark in 2007.

2007: Playoff Berth

In 2007, Matt Nagy led the Destroyers to a playoff berth after throwing for 3,561 yards and 75 touchdowns in the regular season. He secured the playoff spot with 256 passing yards and seven touchdowns in a win against the Dragons.

2008: Offensive Coordinator at Palmyra Area High School

After interning with the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2008 NFL offseason, Matt Nagy became the offensive coordinator at Palmyra Area High School in Palmyra, Pennsylvania.

2008: Struggles with the Destroyers

In 2008, Matt Nagy took on the role of de facto offensive coordinator and player for the Destroyers. After a poor start, Lary Kuharich was hired as offensive coordinator, which led to an initial win. However, the Destroyers finished the year with a 3-13 record, leading to the firing of the head coach. Nagy completed 358 passes for 4,440 yards and 74 touchdowns during the season.

2008: End of AFL career

In late 2008, the AFL folded due to the Great Recession, marking the end of Matt Nagy's playing career. Over six seasons, he accumulated over 18,000 passing yards, 374 touchdown throws, 55 interceptions, and 22 rushing touchdowns.

2009: NFL signing attempt voided

In 2009, Matt Nagy was invited back to Philadelphia to intern for the Eagles. Following a knee injury to backup quarterback Kevin Kolb, the Eagles attempted to sign Nagy as a player for a preseason game. The NFL initially approved the deal but later voided it, citing Nagy's existing contract with the AFL and rules against hiding potential players in coaching positions.

2009: Departure from Palmyra Area High School

In 2009, after the team recorded a 4–6 record, Matt Nagy departed Palmyra Area High School for a full-time job in the NFL.

2010: First NFC North Title Since 2010

In Matt Nagy's first season as head coach, the Bears won the NFC North for the first time since 2010.

2011: Becoming Quality Control Coach

In 2011, Matt Nagy became Quality control coach after following Doug Pederson.

2012: Eagles firing

Following a 4–12 campaign in 2012, Matt Nagy was not retained under new Eagles head coach Chip Kelly after Andy Reid was fired.

2012: Working with Todd Bowles

In 2012, Matt Nagy worked alongside Todd Bowles on the Eagles coaching staff.

2016: Jets attempt to hire Nagy

Before the 2017 season, in 2016 the New York Jets attempted to hire Matt Nagy as offensive coordinator. This move was blocked by the Chiefs.

2016: Promotion to Co-Offensive Coordinator

In 2016, Matt Nagy was promoted to co-offensive coordinator alongside Brad Childress for the Kansas City Chiefs after Doug Pederson left to coach the Eagles. Nagy communicated directly with the quarterback while Childress worked from a skybox, although Reid called the plays.

2017: Nagy Works with Mahomes

In 2017, Nagy previously worked with Patrick Mahomes as a quarterbacks coach. On February 25, 2022, he returned to the Chiefs in a similar role.

2017: Promotion to Offensive Coordinator

In 2017, after being blocked from joining the Jets, Matt Nagy was promoted to offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. In December, Reid ceded play-calling duties to Nagy, which led to a 4-1 finish and an average of 28.6 points per game. However, the Chiefs were defeated by the Titans in the Wild Card Round, with Nagy reaffirming that he was calling the plays. Alex Smith led the NFL in passer rating that season, with 104.7.

2017: First Losing Season as Head Coach

In 2017, prior to the 2021 season, the Bears had not had a losing season since 2017, making the 2021 season Nagy's first as a head coach.

January 8, 2018: Hired as Chicago Bears Head Coach

On January 8, 2018, Matt Nagy was hired as the 16th head coach of the Chicago Bears. At 39, his hiring reflected the trend of teams hiring younger offensive-minded head coaches. Nagy became the first Delaware alumnus to hold an NFL head coach position.

2018: Hiring Chuck Pagano

After the 2018 season, Matt Nagy hired Chuck Pagano as defensive coordinator to replace Vic Fangio.

2018: Frequent Use of Trick Plays

During the 2018 season, Nagy frequently used trick plays, designed with assistance from Bears players and given nicknames like "Willy Wonka" and "Oompa Loompa".

2018: Staff Assembly

In 2018, Matt Nagy retained Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator and brought in coaches with previous ties to him, including Brad Childress, Brock Olivo, Bill Shuey, and Mike Furrey, to assemble his staff for the Chicago Bears.

2018: Fangio as Defensive Coordinator

In 2018, Nagy relinquished control of the defense to his defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio.

2018: Implementation of Zone Blocking Scheme

In 2018, a zone blocking scheme, which lets the back decide his own lane based on the line's motions, was implemented during the season. The Bears' offensive line primarily used a gap blocking scheme.

2018: Shared Receiving Success

In 2018, the Nagy-led receiving success was shared between multiple players. Wide receiver Allen Robinson topped the 2018 Bears in receiving yards yet running back Tarik Cohen had the most receptions.

2018: Helfrich Hired as Offensive Coordinator

In 2018, to better run the RPO, Nagy hired former Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich as offensive coordinator. During Nagy's first year as Bears head coach, 19.2 percent of the team's total play calls was an RPO.

January 2019: Coach of the Year Honors

In January 2019, Matt Nagy received Coach of the Year honors from the Pro Football Writers Association and Associated Press, becoming the fifth Bears coach in history to receive the AP award.

2019: Pagano as Defensive Coordinator

In 2019, Nagy relinquished control of the defense to his defensive coordinator, Chuck Pagano.

2019: Struggles and Staff Changes

In 2019, after a promising start, the Chicago Bears experienced offensive struggles and finished the season 8-8, leading to staff changes like firing offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. Nagy's combined 20 wins in his first two seasons were the most by a Bears head coach.

2020: Play-Calling Relinquished

In 2020, Matt Nagy brought in Juan Castillo and John DeFilippo and traded for Nick Foles. Despite a 5-1 start, continued offensive struggles led Nagy to relinquish play-calling duties to Bill Lazor. The Bears made the playoffs with an 8-8 record due to a tiebreaker but lost in the Wild Card round to the Saints.

2021: Bears' Season Struggles and Nagy's COVID-19 Diagnosis

In 2021, Andy Dalton began the season as the Bears' starting quarterback. Justin Fields later took over due to injury. On October 25, 2021, Nagy tested positive for COVID-19, with Chris Tabor filling in as head coach. The Bears finished the season with a 6-11 record.

2021: Desai as Defensive Coordinator

In 2021, Nagy relinquished control of the defense to his defensive coordinator, Sean Desai.

January 10, 2022: Nagy and Pace Fired by the Bears

On January 10, 2022, Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace were fired by the Chicago Bears. Nagy concluded his Bears tenure with a 34–31 record. Nagy thanked the team for the opportunity in a statement following his firing.

February 25, 2022: Nagy Returns to the Chiefs as Assistant Coach

On February 25, 2022, Nagy rejoined the Chiefs as a senior assistant and quarterbacks coach, replacing Mike Kafka. Reid wanted a coach familiar with the staff, especially Patrick Mahomes, with whom Nagy worked in 2017.

February 24, 2023: Nagy Promoted to Offensive Coordinator

On February 24, 2023, Nagy was promoted to offensive coordinator for the Chiefs, marking his second stint in that role. He later helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII.