If actions speak louder than words, perhaps it's time to reconsider the public perceptions of Matt Nagy.
Nagy has served as the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator for the last three seasons, and fans have not been pleased with the results. After six consecutive seasons ranked in the NFL's top six offenses in points scored, including No. 1 overall in the year before Nagy got the promotion, the Chiefs have come in at No. 15 twice (2023, 2024) and No. 22 (2025). Nagy was already being questioned during championship runs, but criticism has reached its zenith in the aftermath of a 6-11 collapse.
The fact that Nagy's contract expired after the 2025 has been largely viewed as a net gain for the Chiefs—addition by subtraction?—with fans hoping he's replaced by a fresh voice instead of another Andy Reid hireling without the new ideas or courage to question philosophies.
But one look at the coaching carousel spinning after Week 18 shows that NFL franchises are convinced of Nagy's credibility. It was one thing when reports emerged that the Tennessee Titans were hot on Nagy's trail. That much made sense given that Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi spent several years getting to know him as part of Kansas City's front office.
One team chasing a head coaching candidate could be an outlier, and Chiefs fans were slow to give any credence to the idea that Nagy could be a solid hire. However, Nagy is now interviewing with more teams. The Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders have both indicated an interest in bringing him in, and Nagy's week is scheduled full of interviews.
Of course, it's easy to extend the criticism to each individual situation. The Arizona Cardinals aren't exactly known for their strong organizational decisions as the NFL's most forgettable franchise. The Titans could be setting up a gool ol' boys club for 2026. Chiefs fans are already used to laughing at the Las Vegas Raiders in all facets.
Such dismissals are lazy, however. With six head coaching openings, only a few candidates are going to get as many official interviews as Nagy is going to get, and those coaches typically merit loads of respect. Think about how many analysts and fans are fawning over the idea of landing Kevin Stefanski or John Harbaugh. Why is Matt Nagy receiving the opposite treatment?
The truth is that pinning the blame entirely on Nagy for the Chiefs' offensive misfortunes is lazy and inaccurate. Is Nagy partially to blame? Sure. Is it really that easy? No. The front office left some positions devoid of talent. Positional coaches aren't developing players as hoped. Player usage and play calling have been confusing at times. Much of that falls on Andy Reid's shoulders, if any single figure is to be criticized.
Nagy was head coach of the Chicago Bears for four years and left with a winning record despite leaning on Mitchell Trubisky for much of his tenure. Nagy was also part of the same coaching staff that had the No. 1 offense in the NFL in 2022. There are positive things to say about Matt Nagy but it's hard to find anyone willing to say them.
It doesn't matter. Actions speak louder than words, and the league's decision-makers are speaking loudest. Matt Nagy is well-respected by those with the most meaningful opinions. It'd be one thing if a single franchise was taking a flyer on him, but Nagy has turned into one of the hotter candidates around. Perception isn't everything after all.