Childhood and Education Journey of Matt Nagy in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Matt Nagy. A timeline of key moments.

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

April 24, 1978: Matthew Nagy's Birth

On April 24, 1978, Matthew Nagy was born. He is an American professional football coach and former quarterback.

1980: Bill Nagy Wins State Championship

In 1980, Nagy's father, Bill, won a state championship with Elizabeth High School as a defensive line coach.

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: College Recruitment Challenges

In 1995, despite his high school success, Matt Nagy faced challenges in NCAA Division I-A recruitment due to his 4.7-second 40-yard dash time and stature. Although schools like Syracuse and Wake Forest considered him, they withdrew offers. He received scholarships from Division I-AA schools Delaware and New Hampshire and committed to Delaware.

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.

1999: High Ankle Sprain

In 1999, Matt Nagy suffered a high ankle sprain in a loss to UMass, causing him to miss time and snapping a 15-game starting streak.

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: 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: Marriage to Stacey

In 2002, Nagy married his high school sweetheart Stacey.

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.

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.

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.

2009: Bill Nagy Becomes a Teacher

In 2009, after his coaching career, Bill Nagy was a businessman for various ventures before becoming a teacher, teaching at schools in the areas where Matt was coaching at the time.

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.

2018: Creation of "Club Dub"

Following victories in 2018, Nagy created a post-game locker room celebration called "Club Dub" in which the team participated in a dance party.

2018: Reflecting on Career Path

In 2018, Matt Nagy reflected on his career path, considering options such as teaching or playing in a lower-level league, while trying to get a chance in the NFL.

June 2019: Honorary Degree

In June 2019, Matt Nagy returned to the University of Delaware to speak at the school's commencement ceremony and received an honorary degree as a Doctor of Science.

2019: Creation of "Sweep the Sheds Award"

During the 2019 season, Nagy created the Sweep the Sheds Award, consisting of a metal broom and bear head, given to an unsung Bears player after every victory.

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.