The New York Giants made a splash with the hiring of Matt Nagy as their new offensive coordinator under John Harbaugh, and if the early reactions are any indication, this move has sparked plenty of debate. From cautious optimism to outright skepticism, the response across Giants circles has been-well, mixed.
Let’s break it down.
A Familiar Name with a Complicated Resume
Nagy’s name carries weight in NFL circles. He’s been a head coach, he’s worked under Andy Reid, and he’s been around high-pressure situations like conference championships and Super Bowls.
That kind of experience isn’t easy to find, and it’s something Harbaugh has historically valued in his play-callers. This hire fits that mold: a coach who’s been in the fire before and knows how to manage a room.
But the question remains-what exactly are the Giants getting on the field?
What Does Nagy Bring to the Table?
Let’s start with the obvious: Nagy’s offensive identity has never been crystal clear. While he’s long been associated with the Andy Reid coaching tree, there’s a sense that he’s more of a cultural architect than a schematic innovator. That’s not necessarily a knock-building a strong locker room culture is a critical part of turning around a franchise-but it does leave some wondering what the actual on-field product will look like.
When Nagy was calling plays in Chicago, he did get the most out of Mitch Trubisky-no small feat, considering how Trubisky’s career has played out elsewhere. That 2018 Bears offense wasn’t explosive, but it was efficient and creative enough to win 12 games and a division title. And if not for the infamous "double doink," Nagy might’ve had a playoff win to his name as well.
Still, critics point to his time in Kansas City over the last few years, where the Chiefs' offense-despite two Super Bowl wins-hasn’t quite looked like the juggernaut it once was. But it’s worth noting that Nagy wasn’t the primary play-caller in Kansas City.
Andy Reid runs that show, and Nagy’s role was more about support and development. So it’s tough to pin any offensive stagnation solely on him.
Fit with Harbaugh and the Giants
This hire makes a lot more sense when viewed through the lens of Harbaugh’s coaching tendencies. He’s known for hiring offensive coordinators who’ve been around the block-guys who’ve been head coaches or at least held high-level coordinator roles. Nagy checks that box.
There’s also a potential connection through GM Joe Schoen, who had Mitch Trubisky on the Bills’ roster for a stretch. That familiarity might’ve given Schoen and Harbaugh some inside knowledge on how Nagy operates behind the scenes-how he runs meetings, how he communicates with quarterbacks, how he handles adversity. Those things matter, especially for a team trying to establish a new identity.
And let’s not overlook the fact that the Giants kept this move under wraps until it was finalized. That kind of tight-lipped operation could be a sign of the new culture Harbaugh is building-one where leaks are rare and business is handled professionally.
What About the Scheme?
Schematically, Nagy leans toward a modernized West Coast offense with some Air Raid and RPO elements mixed in. That hybrid approach could be a good fit for the Giants’ current quarterback, Dart. In fact, Dart may be the most talented QB Nagy has worked with-though the bar set by Trubisky and Fields isn’t exactly sky-high.
There’s a chance this system gives Dart more freedom to operate and puts him in position to grow, especially if the Giants pair Nagy with a strong quarterbacks coach. That next hire will be crucial. A younger, up-and-coming mind-someone like Charlie Weis Jr.-could balance out Nagy’s experience with fresh ideas and energy.
The Verdict: Cautious Optimism
No one’s throwing a parade over this hire, but there’s a growing sense that it might work-especially in the context of what Harbaugh is trying to build. Nagy brings leadership, experience, and a steady hand to a staff that’s clearly focused on maturity and professionalism.
He may not be the flashiest name out there, but in a league where culture and cohesion often matter as much as X’s and O’s, Nagy could be exactly the kind of stabilizing presence the Giants need. Whether he can elevate the offense and develop Dart into a franchise quarterback? That’s the big question.
For now, Giants fans are right to be measured in their reactions. But don’t be surprised if this hire starts to make more sense as the offseason unfolds and the full coaching staff takes shape.