Andy Reid didn't have much to say about it. Matt Nagy didn't want to talk about it at all. But on Tuesday, Kansas City Chiefs reporters were intent on at least addressing the question that is on the minds of many fans at this stage of a lost season.
On Tuesday, both Reid and his coordinators took to the podium for their scheduled media appearances as the team prepares to host the Denver Broncos on a primetime Christmas Day game that's hardly the showdown it was originally envisioned. The Chiefs are 6-9 overall and buried outside the playoff picture. The Broncos, meanwhile, are enjoying the perch atop the AFC West for the first time in a decade.
With the lack of anything meaningful ahead for the Chiefs before the offseason begins, the attention of fans and analysts both has shifted to potential roster fixes and staffing moves to address the team's concerns. In the midst of that is the absence of any job security for Nagy in the face of head coaching rumors.
Nagy, who is the Chiefs' offensive coordinator, has been mentioned in conjunction with the Tennessee Titans head coach opening for months. Brian Callahan was axed back in October, and Nagy's name has surfaced again and again in reports about potential replacements. That's likely due to his previous experience with the Chicago Bears and his familiarity with new Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, who spent the majority of his career as an exec with the Chiefs.
With two regular-season games remaining, Nagy stated that he didn't want to address any potential rumors, even though he understood why people would be interested in the subject.
"Out of respect, I know it’s a fair question, but for me, I just honestly wanna focus on right now. I know all that stuff will take care of itself down the road. I have so much respect for our organization here, from the top down. We’re at that point in time right now, especially not being in the playoffs, where that starts to come out. I really am focused with these guys and want to help all these guys out, and all that stuff will take care of itself at the end here."
Reid was willing to take the bait, although he didn't have much to say, other than reinforcing his belief in Nagy as a strong candidate for such a role. "I think he deserves to be a head football coach in this league," said Reid.
Nagy is reportedly without a contract beyond this season for the Chiefs, having rejected a previous extension offer, so perhaps he's been looking for a way to spread his wings after returning to K.C. for a few seasons following his ouster in Chicago.