The New York Giants made a bold move in hiring Matt Nagy as their new offensive coordinator - but not everyone’s convinced it’s the right fit. ESPN analyst and former NFL defensive end Marcus Spears didn’t mince words when breaking down why he’s skeptical of the decision, especially when it comes to developing young quarterbacks.
“This league is about results,” Spears said during a segment on Tuesday. “You get judged on how you develop guys.”
And that’s where Spears’ concern lies. The Giants are banking on Nagy to help mold Jaxson Dart, a young quarterback entering his second year. But based on Nagy’s recent track record, Spears isn’t exactly brimming with confidence.
Let’s take a closer look at the numbers that raise red flags. During Nagy’s previous stints working with young quarterbacks, the results were underwhelming.
Mitch Trubisky made 38 starts under Nagy and posted a 56 QBR - not disastrous, but far from elite. Justin Fields, in his rookie season, started 10 games and finished with a 31 QBR.
Then there were veterans like Nick Foles (eight starts, 38 QBR) and Andy Dalton (six starts, 39 QBR), who also struggled to generate consistent production.
That’s not exactly the kind of résumé that inspires confidence when you’re trying to build around a young signal-caller.
To be fair, Nagy brings plenty of experience to the table. He spent years under Andy Reid in Kansas City, learning from one of the most respected offensive minds in the game.
That pedigree carries weight - and it’s likely part of what attracted the Giants to him in the first place. But as Spears pointed out, past associations only go so far.
At some point, the results have to show up on the field.
“I'm not indicting Matt Nagy as a bad coach,” Spears clarified. “All I can look at is, the last time you had two young quarterbacks, they didn’t perform well.”
That’s the crux of the issue. This isn’t about Nagy’s football IQ or his ability to draw up a playbook - it’s about his track record with quarterback development. And for a team like the Giants, who are trying to build something sustainable with a young passer at the helm, that history matters.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that things have changed. Coaches evolve.
Systems adapt. Maybe Nagy’s time back in Kansas City helped him reset and refine his approach.
But right now, as Spears sees it, there’s more reason for caution than optimism.
For the Giants, this hire is a calculated risk. If Nagy can unlock Dart’s potential, it could be a turning point for the franchise. But if the past is any indication, the road ahead might be bumpier than they’d like.