Why Nagy’s Plight Is Referendum on Chiefs’ 2025 Offense

The Kansas City Chiefs fell off an offensive cliff in the last half of the season.

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Matt Nagy reportedly interviewed with four teams seeking head coaches, including two meetings with the Titans.

After finishing runner-up to Robert Saleh in Tennessee, Nagy sat down with Nick Sirianni to discuss the Eagles’ offensive-coordinator vacancy.

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy (left) and head coach Andy Reid against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jewel of a coach

“Somebody's missing a gem here,” head coach Andy Reid said Monday, referring to Nagy. “That's how I feel. And I would love to see him get picked up and going, and at the same time we got back a gem. So, it has a chance to be a win-win here, when everything's said and done.”

The gem the Chiefs got back was Eric Bieniemy, a move Reid had to make because Nagy’s contract had expired and the team fully expected Nagy to find another home, either as head coach or calling plays as an autonomous offensive coordinator.

And while there’s a small chance either the Raiders or Cardinals hire Nagy as head coach, he’s still searching for a 2026 landing spot.

Sep 7, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up as offensive coordinator Matt Nagy looks on prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Either this or that

So, either Nagy has some of the worst luck in recent memory or there’s a reason why those teams didn’t offer him. That reason obviously lies within the Chiefs’ 2025 offense, and seemingly serves as the most likely reason Nagy is still unemployed.

From Weeks 3-7 this past season, the Chiefs were arguably the best offense in the league. The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes were in conversations as favorites for the Super Bowl and MVP, respectively.

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Chiefs' offense collapsed

Then, the bottom fell out faster than a sinkhole swallowing a house, as the Chiefs eight of their last nine games.

Regardless, Reid earlier this week made every effort, publicly and privately, to help Nagy’s cause.

“I want Matt to have a chance to be a head football coach,” Reid added, “and do the things that he's been dreaming of doing. I mean, that's huge in this business. He's sitting at an important time with some openings in this league that you very seldom see, where you've got these 10 at one time here, 10 different openings. There's opportunities there.”

Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Those opportunities appear to have evaporated like puddles in sunshine. While Nagy has played an integral role in one of the league’s more explosive offenses and worked closely with Mahomes in three straight Super Bowl seasons (2022-24), his chances are dwindling quickly.

Some decisions are shocking, too. First-year head coach Jesse Minter, for instance, just hired 29-year-old Declan Doyle to call offensive plays for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Doyle is four months younger than Mahomes.

May 10, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle answers questions after rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

And, two months prior to Doyle’s first birthday in 1997, Reid was a Green Bay tight ends coach, helping the Packers beat Bill Parcells and the Patriots in Reid’s first Super Bowl.

In contrast, Nagy has critical experience calling plays, experience leading an NFL team to the playoffs, and a Coach of the Year award on his resume. That experience seemed more valuable than a candidate who hasn’t reached his 30th birthday.

Dec 30, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy calls a timeout during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images | Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images

“Matt and I have a great relationship,” Reid said. “Right before the season even started here, I knew that he wanted an opportunity to have his own show. He's been a head coach. He was Coach of the Year. I mean, this guy, all the things I've said about him, I still feel about him.

“He deserves to have a head-coaching job.”

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