The New York Giants have made their choice at offensive coordinator, and it’s a name familiar to anyone who’s followed the Kansas City Chiefs over the past decade: Matt Nagy. After a search that included some intriguing candidates, John Harbaugh ultimately turned to a coach with deep NFL roots, a Super Bowl ring, and a reputation for quarterback development.
Nagy, who served as the Chiefs' offensive coordinator before and after his stint as head coach of the Chicago Bears, steps into the Giants’ OC role at a pivotal time. This wasn’t a hire made in a vacuum - it came after other options fell off the board.
Todd Monken, once in the mix, took the head coaching job in Cleveland. Davis Webb stayed in Denver with a promotion.
And Kliff Kingsbury, once viewed by some as a front-runner, didn’t mesh with Harbaugh’s vision.
So why Nagy over Kingsbury? According to reports, it came down to philosophy.
Kingsbury’s system leans heavily on tempo - a hurry-up style that can be electric when it’s clicking, but risky when it stalls. That kind of pace can wear down your own defense, something Harbaugh, a coach with a defensive background, is keenly aware of.
He’s believed to prefer a more balanced, controlled approach - one that doesn’t leave the defense gasping for air after a three-and-out.
Nagy, on the other hand, checks a lot of boxes for what the Giants were looking for. He’s got head coaching experience, having led the Bears to the playoffs twice.
He’s worked closely with Patrick Mahomes, helping to shape one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. And he’s spent years learning under Andy Reid, one of the most respected offensive minds in football.
That pedigree matters - especially when you’re trying to build a sustainable, modern offense.
There’s also the fact that Nagy was actively looking for a role where he could call plays again and potentially set himself up for another head coaching opportunity down the line. That kind of hunger, coupled with his resume, made him a compelling choice.
It’s worth noting that Charlie Weis Jr., LSU’s offensive coordinator, was also on the Giants’ radar. In fact, there were reportedly several people inside the Giants’ building who were high on Weis once Monken became unavailable.
A big part of that interest stemmed from Weis’ relationship with quarterback Jaxson Dart, whom he coached for three years at Ole Miss. Dart, according to sources, made it known he’d love to reunite with Weis - but in the end, Weis chose to stay at LSU.
So, the Giants moved forward with Nagy. And there’s already some buzz that they nailed it.
Adam Schein called it a “slam dunk” hire, and NFL insider Albert Breer pointed to Nagy’s 2017 season with the Chiefs as a prime example of what he brings to the table. That year, Kansas City had just drafted Mahomes but still had Alex Smith under center.
Nagy helped implement a more modern, motion-heavy offense - and Smith responded with a career year: over 4,000 yards, 26 touchdowns, and a passer rating north of 104.
That’s the kind of offensive evolution the Giants are hoping for. With Harbaugh now steering the ship and Nagy drawing up the plays, New York is aiming to build something that can compete in today’s NFL - balanced, creative, and quarterback-friendly.
The pieces are still coming together, but this hire signals a clear direction. The Giants didn’t just want a play-caller - they wanted a builder. And with Matt Nagy, they believe they’ve found one.