View source for Matt Nagy

{{Short description|American football coach and player (born 1978)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name           = Matt Nagy
| image          = Matt Nagy-P20230605AS-1193 (cropped).jpg
| image_size     =
| alt            = 
| caption        = Nagy in 2023
| current_team   = Kansas City Chiefs
| position       = [[Offensive coordinator]]<!-- [[Quarterback]] -->
| number         = <!-- 11 -->
| birth_date     = {{Birth date and age|1978|4|24|mf=y}}
| birth_place    = [[Dunellen, New Jersey]], U.S.
| height_ft      = 6
| height_in      = 2
| weight_lbs     = 220
| high_school    = [[Manheim Central High School|Manheim Central]] {{nowrap|([[Manheim, Pennsylvania]])}}
| college        = [[Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football|Delaware]] (1996–2000)
| undraftedyear  = 2001
| pastteams      =
* [[New York Dragons]] ({{AFL Year|2002|2003}})
* [[Carolina Cobras]] ({{AFL Year|2004}})
* [[Georgia Force]] ({{AFL Year|2005|2006}})
* [[Columbus Destroyers]] ({{AFL Year|2007|2008}})
* [[Philadelphia Eagles]] ({{NFL Year|2009}})*
| pastcoaching   =
* [[Manheim Central High School|Manheim Central HS (PA)]] (2001)<br />Quarterbacks coach
* [[Cedar Crest High School|Cedar Crest HS (PA)]] (2002–2003)<br />Quarterbacks coach
* [[Palmyra Area High School|Palmyra Area HS (PA)]] (2008–2009)<br />Offensive coordinator
* [[Philadelphia Eagles]] ({{NFL Year|2008}}–{{NFL Year|2009}})<br />Coaching intern
* Philadelphia Eagles ({{NFL Year|2010}})<br />Coaches' assistant
* Philadelphia Eagles ({{NFL Year|2011|2012}})<br />Offensive quality control coach
* [[Kansas City Chiefs]] ({{NFL Year|2013|2015}})<br />Quarterbacks coach
* Kansas City Chiefs ({{NFL Year|2016|2017}})<br />Offensive coordinator
* [[Chicago Bears]] ({{NFL Year|2018|2021}})<br />Head coach 
* Kansas City Chiefs ({{NFL Year|2022}})<br/>Senior assistant & quarterbacks coach
* Kansas City Chiefs ({{NFL Year|2023}}–present)<br />Offensive coordinator
| highlights     = '''As player:'''
* Third-team [[Division I (NCAA)#Football Championship Subdivision|I-AA]] [[All-American]] (2000)
* First-team All-[[Atlantic 10 Conference|A-10]] (2000)
* Second-team [[All-Arena]] ([[2005 All-Arena Team|2005]])
'''As coach:'''
* 2× [[Super Bowl champion]] ([[Super Bowl LVII|LVII]], [[Super Bowl LVIII|LVIII]])
* [[AP NFL Coach of the Year]] ({{NFL Year|2018}})
* [[Pro Football Writers Association|PFWA]] Coach of the Year (2018)
| aflstatlabel1  = [[Touchdown|TD]]–[[Interception|INT]]
| aflstatvalue1  = 374–55
| aflstatlabel2  = Passing yards
| aflstatvalue2  = 18,866
| aflstatlabel3  = Passer rating
| aflstatvalue3  = 115.11
| afl            = 3024
| regular_record = {{Winning percentage|34|31|record=y}}
| playoff_record = {{Winning percentage|0|2|record=y}}
| overall_record = {{Winning percentage|34|33|record=y}}
| pfrcoach       = NagyMa0 
}}

'''Matthew Nagy''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|ɛ|g|i}} {{respell|NEH|ghee}} or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|æ|g|i}} {{respell|NAG|ee}};<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bannon |first1=Tim |title=OK, hold on, so how do you pronounce Nagy? |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-matt-nagy-name-pronunciation-20180111-story.html |access-date=January 1, 2019 |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=January 11, 2018}}</ref> born April 24, 1978) is an American professional [[American football|football]] coach and former [[quarterback]] who is the [[offensive coordinator]] for the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He was the head coach of the [[Chicago Bears]] from [[2018 NFL season|2018]] to [[2021 NFL season|2021]].

As a quarterback, Nagy played [[college football]] for the [[Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football|Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens]] from 1997 to 2000, setting various school passing records. After failing to receive an NFL contract, Nagy joined the [[Arena Football League]] (AFL), where he spent six seasons playing for the [[New York Dragons]], [[Carolina Cobras]], [[Georgia Force]], and [[Columbus Destroyers]].

After finishing his playing career, Nagy became an assistant coach with the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in 2009, spending five seasons in various offensive positions under head coach [[Andy Reid]]. In 2013, when Reid joined the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], Nagy followed him to become the quarterbacks coach, a role he served until he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2016. Nagy was named the Bears' head coach in 2018, and in that season led the team to their first [[NFC North]] division title and playoff appearance since 2010. He was part of the Chiefs' coaching staff that won [[Super Bowl LVII]] and [[Super Bowl LVIII]].

==Early life==
Matthew Nagy was born on April 24, 1978, in [[Dunellen, New Jersey]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Arkush |first1=Hub |title=Matt Nagy could be the perfect choice to lead Bears back to respectability |url=https://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/07/31/matt-nagy-could-be-the-perfect-choice-to-lead-bears-back-to-respectability/a46brt5/ |access-date=January 2, 2019 |publisher=[[Pro Football Weekly]] |date=August 30, 2018 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412141822/https://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/07/31/matt-nagy-could-be-the-perfect-choice-to-lead-bears-back-to-respectability/a46brt5/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and lived in [[Piscataway, New Jersey|Piscataway]] as a toddler. His parents, Gail Stouch and Bill Nagy, divorced when he was three years old, after which Matt moved with Stouch from Piscataway to [[Manheim, Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Seligman|first=Andrew|url=https://www.apnews.com/649c61fe39184edab7e57f718edf63b7|title=For Nagy, playoff run with Bears comes after long rise|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|date=January 3, 2019|access-date=May 3, 2019}}</ref> Growing up, Nagy participated in various sports like football, with teammates describing him as being very competitive; close friend and football teammate Eric Zeigler quipped he "couldn't imagine how someone cared that much, even if it was about a basketball game on his driveway."<ref name="How roots of Matt Nagy’s career grew from small rural Pennsylvania borough">{{cite news|last=Kane|first=Colleen|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-matt-nagy-life-story-20180113-story.html|title=How roots of Matt Nagy's career grew from small rural Pennsylvania borough|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=January 14, 2018|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref>

Nagy played [[high school football]] and basketball for [[Manheim Central High School]] in Pennsylvania, becoming the starting quarterback in the former during his junior year.<ref name="How roots of Matt Nagy’s career grew from small rural Pennsylvania borough" /><ref name="Nagy: Driven to succeed">{{cite news|last=Tomashek|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28383040/nagy_driven_to_succeed/|title=Nagy: Driven to succeed|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=November 13, 1998|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> In 1994, Nagy led the Barons to the [[Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association]] (PIAA) Class AAA playoffs, where they reached the semifinals against the [[Berwick Area Senior High School|Berwick Bulldogs]]. Entering the game, Manheim Central was on a 26-game winning streak, and was ranked No. 1 in Class AAA and No. 17 in ''[[USA Today]]''{{'s}} national rankings. While the Barons primarily used the [[veer]] running offense, head coach Mike Williams elected to switch to a pass-heavy system for the Berwick game to surprise the Bulldogs.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fertal|first=Scott|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31190758/|title='Money' pays off for Dawgs|newspaper=[[Times Leader]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=December 4, 1994|access-date=May 2, 2019}}</ref> Nagy completed 20 of 28 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns in the semifinal, but threw an interception with 28 seconds remaining to seal a 37–30 loss.<ref>{{cite news|last=Konopki|first=Dave|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31190713/|title=Dawgs win classic on 34-yard TD pass|newspaper=[[Times Leader]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=December 3, 1994|access-date=May 2, 2019}}</ref>

In 1995, Nagy passed for 1,928 yards and 21 touchdowns, and ran for 358 yards and six touchdowns. Manheim Central went 13–0 with over 5,500 total offensive yards and averaged 48.3 points per game in their final seven matches.<ref>{{cite news|last=Housenick|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28343300/manheim_qb_has_score_to_settle/|title=Manheim QB has score to settle|newspaper=[[Times Leader]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=November 30, 1995|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref> However, the Barons lost to Berwick in the semifinal for the second straight season, with Nagy once again being intercepted late in the game to clinch a narrow 18–17 defeat.<ref>{{cite news|last=Yanoshak|first=Randy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28343404/secondhalf_surge_sends_berwick_back_to/|title=Second-half surge sends Berwick back to Altoona|newspaper=[[The Citizens' Voice]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=December 3, 1995|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref> He ended his senior year by being named [[Lancaster County, Pennsylvania|Lancaster County]] Most Valuable Player.<ref name="Nagy: Driven to succeed" />

Williams considered Nagy "maybe my favorite of all time that I've coached"; although the two clashed over differences, Williams praised Nagy for his on-field confidence and personality.<ref name="How roots of Matt Nagy’s career grew from small rural Pennsylvania borough" /> Nagy left high school with a 26–2 record and over 3,500 career passing yards.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tomashek|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28352095/hens_may_have_qb_of_the_future/|title=Hens: May have QB of the future|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=February 8, 1996|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref>

==College career==
Despite his success in high school, Nagy did not receive many offers from [[NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision|NCAA Division I-A]] schools due to his slow [[40-yard dash]] time of 4.7 seconds and small stature at {{convert|6|ft|1+1/2|in|m|2|abbr=on}} and {{convert|190|lb|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Rutgers getting chance to catch up on recruiting" /> While schools like [[Syracuse Orange football|Syracuse]] and [[Wake Forest Demon Deacons football|Wake Forest]] seriously considered Nagy, they ultimately withdrew upon signing other quarterbacks.<ref name="Delaware Quarterback Chases Glory and a Championship">{{cite news|last=Caldwell|first=Dave|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/07/sports/college-football-delaware-quarterback-chases-glory-and-a-championship.html|title=COLLEGE FOOTBALL; Delaware Quarterback Chases Glory and a Championship|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=December 7, 2000|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref> Instead, he was offered scholarships from [[NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision|Division I-AA]] schools [[Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football|Delaware]] and [[New Hampshire Wildcats football|New Hampshire]],<ref name="UD could get more wins, fewer records from QB in '99">{{cite news|last=Tresolini|first=Kevin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28344701/ud_could_get_more_wins_fewer_records/|title=UD could get more wins, fewer records from QB in '99|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=August 31, 1999|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref> gaining interest in the former while attending [[James Madison Dukes football|James Madison]]'s game against them in 1995.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tomashek|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28352149/hamletts_throwing_key_to_nagys_signing/|title=Hamlett's throwing key to Nagy's signing|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=February 8, 1996|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref> Although [[Rutgers Scarlet Knights football|Rutgers]] head coach [[Terry Shea]] also expressed interest in recruiting him, Nagy verbally committed to Delaware.<ref name="Rutgers getting chance to catch up on recruiting">{{cite news|last=Lewis|first=Brian|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28343720/rutgers_getting_chance_to_catch_up_on/|title=Rutgers getting chance to catch up on recruiting|newspaper=[[Courier News]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=January 16, 1996|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref>

[[File:Delaware Stadium.JPG|thumb|left|[[Delaware Stadium]] (pictured in 2014), where Nagy played college football for the [[Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football|Fightin' Blue Hens]]<ref name="Coach of the Year Matt Nagy to speak at Commencement 2019" />]]
Nagy played for the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens from 1997 to 2000. While the Blue Hens traditionally used a run-heavy [[List of formations in American football#Wing T|Wing T offense]] under head coach [[Tubby Raymond]], Nagy and more talented receivers led to an increase in passing; in 2000, Delaware's offense attempted at least 30 passes in eight of thirteen games.<ref name="Delaware Quarterback Chases Glory and a Championship" /> Teammates and future coaching colleagues of Nagy's included Chiefs general manager [[Brett Veach]] and Bears assistant [[Brian Ginn]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kissel |first=BJ |date=July 11, 2017 |title=10 Things to Know About New Chiefs GM Brett Veach |url=https://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/10-Things-to-Know-About-New-Chiefs-GM-Brett-Veach/9c266283-4c5e-4ce9-88fe-663c846b96ca |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712010449/https://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/10-Things-to-Know-About-New-Chiefs-GM-Brett-Veach/9c266283-4c5e-4ce9-88fe-663c846b96ca |archive-date=July 12, 2017 |access-date=September 17, 2017 |website=Chiefs.com}}</ref><ref name="Bears to hire Bill Shuey and Brian Ginn as assistants">{{cite web|last=Eurich|first=Matt|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/chicago-bears/article/bears-to-hire-bill-shuey-and-brian-ginn-as-assistant-per-report-114699394/|title=Report: Bears to hire Bill Shuey and Brian Ginn as assistants|publisher=[[247Sports]]|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=March 2, 2018}}</ref> the latter being the starting quarterback prior to Nagy.<ref name="UD could get more wins, fewer records from QB in '99" />

After [[Redshirt (college sports)|redshirting]] his freshman year, Nagy served as Ginn's backup in 1997.<ref name="UD could get more wins, fewer records from QB in '99" /> When Ginn hurt his shoulder in the first round of the [[NCAA Division I Football Championship|I-AA playoffs]], Nagy replaced him as starter.<ref name="Nagy: Driven to succeed" /> Taking on [[Georgia Southern Eagles football|Georgia Southern]] in the quarterfinal, Nagy completed nine of 15 passes for 125 yards as the Blue Hens won 16–7.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tomashek|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28345148/nagy_does_the_job_as_late_replacement/|title=Nagy does the job as late replacement|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=December 7, 1997|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref> In the semifinal against [[McNeese State Cowboys football|McNeese State]], he threw two second-half touchdown passes but a last-second field goal pushed McNeese State to a 21–20 victory.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28345046/mcneese_slips_past_delaware_into_final/|title=McNeese slips past Delaware into final|newspaper=Standard-Speaker|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=December 14, 1997|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref>

Ginn and Nagy shared the starting job to open the 1998 campaign, but the former broke his leg in the third game of the year against [[West Chester Golden Rams|West Chester]] and was unable to play for the remainder of the season.<ref name="Nagy: Driven to succeed" /> Nagy went on to set 11 school single-season passing records, including yards in a season (2,916) and yards in a game (556 against [[Connecticut Huskies football|Connecticut]]), as he ended the year with 20 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions and a 157.36 passer rating, the second-best in the nation.<ref name="UD could get more wins, fewer records from QB in '99" /> Nagy also helped wide receiver [[Eddie Conti]] break the NCAA record for receiving yards in a season with 1,712 on 98 receptions.<ref name="Ex-Delaware teammates Conti, Ginn applaud Bears' hiring of Nagy as coach">{{cite news|last=Tresolini|first=Kevin|url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/sports/college/ud/2018/01/08/ex-delaware-teammates-conti-ginn-applaud-bears-hiring-nagy-coach/1013909001/|title=Ex-Delaware teammates Conti, Ginn applaud Bears' hiring of Nagy as coach|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref>

In 1999, Nagy became the permanent starter ahead of Ginn.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ingram|first=Sarah Sue|url=https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-19990825-1999-08-25-9908250058-story.html|title=Delaware QB is a portrait of endurance|newspaper=[[Daily Press (Virginia)|Daily Press]]|date=August 25, 1999|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref> Seven games into the season, Nagy suffered a [[high ankle sprain]] in a 26–19 loss to [[UMass Minutemen football|UMass]], forcing him to miss time and snapping a 15-game starting streak.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tresolini|first1=Kevin|last2=Frank|first2=Martin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28382523/ankle_sprain_sidelines_nagy_at_least/|title=Ankle sprain sidelines Nagy at least two weeks|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=October 24, 1999|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> With Ginn, the Blue Hens won the next two games. Nagy made a limited return the following week against [[Rhode Island Rams football|Rhode Island]], entering the game during the third quarter, where he failed to complete each of his four pass attempts before being substituted for [[Mike Medley]] in the final period.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tresolini|first1=Kevin|last2=Frank|first2=Martin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28382609/its_been_a_long_haul_for_rams/|title=It's been a long haul for Rams|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=November 14, 1999|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> Ginn remained the starter for the season finale against [[Villanova Wildcats football|Villanova]]. After Ginn was briefly knocked out of the game, Nagy filled in early in the fourth quarter and threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to [[Butter Pressley]] to put the Blue Hens up 45–24. However, Villanova scored 21 unanswered points to tie the game before winning 51–45 in overtime.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tresolini|first=Kevin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28383464/villanova_comeback_stuns_hens/|title=Villanova comeback stuns Hens|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=November 21, 1999|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref>

In his senior year in 2000, Nagy and the Blue Hens won all but one game to end the regular season ranked second in Division I-AA,<ref name="Delaware Quarterback Chases Glory and a Championship" /> while the offense averaged 42.6 points and 460 yards per game.<ref name="Blue Hens in 'final four'">{{cite news|last=Flelschman|first=Bill|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28384746/blue_hens_in_final_four/|title=Blue Hens in 'final four'|newspaper=[[Philadelphia Daily News]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=December 4, 2000|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> Delaware opened the 2000 I-AA playoffs by blowing out [[Portland State Vikings football|Portland State]] 49–14, during which Nagy threw for 263 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception; the yards elevated Nagy's season total to 2,981, surpassing the school record he set in 1998.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ryan|first=Shannon|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28384829/delaware_puts_it_all_together_and_rolls/|title=Delaware puts it all together and rolls in Round 1|newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=November 26, 2000|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> A 47–22 victory over [[Lehigh Mountain Hawks football|Lehigh]] in the quarterfinal followed as Nagy recorded 266 passing yards, enabling him to the first quarterback in Delaware history to break 3,000 passing yards in a season, and two touchdowns.<ref name="Blue Hens in 'final four'" /> The Blue Hens' season came to an end in the semifinal when they lost to Georgia Southern 27–18. Nagy completed 16 of 38 attempts for 189 yards and an interception in his final college game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28384934/eagles_soar_past_delaware_for_right_to/|title=Eagles soar past Delaware for right to meet Grizzlies|newspaper=[[Great Falls Tribune]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=December 10, 2000|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> Nagy ended the season with 3,436 passing yards, setting a school record that stood until [[Joe Flacco]] eclipsed the mark in 2007, and a program-best 29 touchdown throws.<ref name="Ex-Delaware teammates Conti, Ginn applaud Bears' hiring of Nagy as coach" /> For his campaign, Nagy was named third-team I-AA [[All-American]], becoming Delaware's first All-American quarterback since [[Rich Gannon]] in 1986.<ref name="Ex-Delaware teammates Conti, Ginn applaud Bears' hiring of Nagy as coach" />

Nagy concluded his college career with 8,214 passing yards, 58 touchdown passes, and a rating of 146.74, all of which were the best in team history.<ref name="Ex-Delaware teammates Conti, Ginn applaud Bears' hiring of Nagy as coach" /> As a student, Nagy majored and earned a [[bachelor's degree]] in health and physical education (PE).<ref name="Nagy: Driven to succeed" /> In June 2019, he returned to the university to speak at the school's [[graduation|commencement ceremony]] and received an [[honorary degree]] as a [[Doctor of Science]].<ref name="Coach of the Year Matt Nagy to speak at Commencement 2019" /><ref name="Doctor of Science degree">{{cite web|url=https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/udaily/2019/june/Nagy.pdf|title=University of Delaware Honorary Degree – Matthew Nagy|work=[[University of Delaware]]|access-date=June 2, 2019}}</ref>

==Professional career==
{{Quote box
|quote = "It's a unique game that I've really started to love. I think I've found my niche. It's perfect for me because it's not like I'm going to do a lot of running back there (in the [[passing pocket]])."
|source = Nagy on [[arena football]] in 2006<ref name="Nagy persuades Elliott to join him in Arena">{{cite news|last=Tresolini|first=Kevin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28624968/nagy_persuades_elliott_to_join_him_in/|title=Nagy persuades Elliott to join him in Arena|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=May 21, 2006|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref>
|width = 250px
|align = right}}
After not being selected in the [[2001 NFL draft]], Nagy attracted interest from the [[New York Giants]] as a free agent, though their acquisition of [[Jesse Palmer]] ended that possibility.<ref name="Nagy turns into 9-TD force at QB">{{cite news|last=Ledbetter|first=D. Orlando|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28618978/nagy_qbs_9td_playoff_game_helps/|title=Nagy turns into 9-TD force at QB|newspaper=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=May 25, 2006|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> On September 11, Nagy participated in a tryout with the [[Green Bay Packers]], but was not signed.<ref name="The right Mattitude">{{cite news|last=Jahns|first=Adam|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/bears-coach-matt-nagy-packers-workout-9-11-brett-favre/|title=The right Mattitude: Why a Packers tryout remains important to Bears' Matt Nagy|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=December 11, 2018|access-date=December 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Eurich|first=Matt|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/chicago-bears/Article/Matt-Nagy-September-11-attacks-121818901/|title=Matt Nagy worked out with Packers during September 11 attacks|publisher=[[247Sports]]|date=September 14, 2018|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref> Later auditions with the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]], [[Dallas Cowboys]], and [[New York Jets]] – the third coming after beginning his [[arena football]] career in 2002 – and a phone conversation with [[Minnesota Vikings]] officials also failed to result in contracts.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lance|first=Jim|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28351565/a_justincase_qb/|title=A just-in-case QB|newspaper=[[The Record (Bergen County)|The Record]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=August 4, 2002|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Nagy turns into 9-TD force at QB" /><ref name="Nagy turns professional">{{cite news|last=Reinahrt|first=Jeffrey|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35033814/|title=Will Nagy become next Kurt Warner in Arena League?|newspaper=[[Lancaster New Era]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=November 21, 2001|access-date=August 18, 2019}}</ref>

Talking about his efforts to make the NFL, Nagy said in 2018, "I was at a point where I'm out of college [and] I'm kind of figuring which direction I'm going to go. Am I going to get a chance in the NFL? Am I going to use my degree and become a teacher? Am I going to try a lower-level league in the football world?"<ref name="The right Mattitude" />

===New York Dragons===
Without any opportunities in the NFL, Nagy tried out for the [[New York Dragons]] of the [[Arena Football League]]. There, he caught the eye of head coach [[John Gregory (American football coach)|John Gregory]],<ref name="A gladiator in the arena">{{cite news|last=Finley|first=Patrick|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/chicago-bears-premium-packers-matt-nagy-experience-analysis-2018/|title=A gladiator in the arena: How Matt Nagy's experience will translate to Bears|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=September 9, 2018|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> who likened Nagy to his former [[Iowa Barnstormers]] star and [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] quarterback [[Kurt Warner]] as the two were comparable in size, possessed the ability to throw while running, and shared similar leadership qualities.<ref name="Former Hen QB aiming high">{{cite news|last=Lesmerises|first=Doug|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28615218/former_hen_qb_aiming_high/|title=Former Hen QB aiming high|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=February 7, 2004|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> Gregory was also close with Raymond and formerly ran the Wing T offense, further supporting his decision to sign Nagy. The Dragons offered Nagy a three-year contract, though agent Art Weiss opted for a two-year deal.<ref name="Nagy turns professional" />

Nagy made his AFL debut in the 2002 season opener against the [[Los Angeles Avengers]] when he replaced a struggling [[Danny Ragsdale]] in the fourth quarter;<ref>{{cite news|last=Rock|first=Tom|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/kanell-could-be-next-dragon-qb-1.299551|title=Kanell Could Be Next Dragon QB|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|date=April 23, 2002|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> Nagy completed three of eight passes for 68 yards and a touchdown to [[Steve Papin]] as New York lost 43–25.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arenafan.com/statistics/?page=boxscore&gameid=1546|title=Week 1: New York 25 at Los Angeles 43|work=ArenaFan|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> Nagy was later named the starter for the [[Buffalo Destroyers]] game, where he was 27-of-37 for 300 yards and seven touchdowns en route to a Dragons 69–54 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28385699/nagy_throws_seven_tds_in_first_arena/|title=Nagy throws seven TDs in first Arena League start|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=April 30, 2002|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> In the [[Detroit Fury]] match, Nagy was substituted out for [[Danny Kanell]], who threw three touchdowns to lead the Dragons to a 44–37 win and subsequently became the starter.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mellema|first=Darryl|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28655833/storm_earns_victory_on_final_play/|title=Storm earns victory on final play|newspaper=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=June 1, 2002|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> In June, Kanell's struggles against the [[Orlando Predators]] prompted Nagy to return to action in the fourth quarter, where he threw a 12-yard touchdown to [[Jason Maxwell (American football)|Jason Maxwell]] for his lone score in the 52–33 loss.<ref name="Predators roll past Dragons">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28655925/predators_roll_past_dragons/|title=Predators roll past Dragons|newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=June 16, 2002|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arenafan.com/statistics/?page=boxscore&gameid=1610|title=Week 9: Orlando 52 at New York 33|work=ArenaFan|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> [[Aaron Garcia (American football)|Aaron Garcia]], who was New York's regular starting quarterback until he signed with the [[San Francisco 49ers]] in the offseason, returned to the team for the remainder of the 2002 season.<ref name="Predators roll past Dragons" /> Nagy started six games in his rookie year, ending with 1,242 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lesmerises|first=Doug|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28615308/nagy_warner_comparisons_continue/|title=Nagy: Warner comparisons continue|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=February 7, 2004|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref>

During the offseason, Nagy [[Anterior cruciate ligament injury|tore his anterior cruciate ligament]] (ACL) during a [[flag football]] game in [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania]] that prevented him from playing the 2003 season.<ref name="A gladiator in the arena" /> While rehabilitating his leg alongside trainer Steve Saunders,<ref name="From selling homes to the NFL">{{cite web|last=Drehs|first=Wayne|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4708927/meet-the-construction-exec-who-helped-matt-nagy-chase-his-nfl-dream|title=From selling homes to the NFL: How an 'angel' helped Matt Nagy|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=January 2, 2019|access-date=January 7, 2019}}</ref> Nagy also spent the year receiving his [[real estate]] license and working as a substitute PE teacher.<ref name="A gladiator in the arena" /> When not on the Dragons' active roster, Nagy was the team's color commentator for radio broadcasts.<ref name="ArenaFan" />

===Carolina Cobras===
On November 13, 2003, Nagy was traded to the [[Carolina Cobras]] in exchange for lineman [[Tim McGill]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arenafan.com/teams/?page=transactions&type=old&team=45|title=Carolina Cobras Team Transactions|work=ArenaFan|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> The Cobras, who went 0–16 in 2003, hired Gregory as offensive coordinator for the 2004 season.<ref name="Former Hen QB aiming high" /> In the first game of the year against the [[Dallas Desperados]], Nagy recorded 282 passing yards and seven total touchdowns (six passing, one rushing) as Carolina won 67–41 and snapped a 17-game losing streak.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28616691/avengers_victorious_in_opener/|title=Avengers Victorious in Opener|newspaper=The Santa Clarita Valley Signal|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=February 9, 2004|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> The opening victory was followed by a 54–53 win over the [[Columbus Destroyers]] when Nagy threw the game-winning touchdown to [[Damien Groce]] as time expired.<ref>{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Michael S.|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28616610/cobras_comeback_sinks_columbus/|title=Cobras' comeback sinks Columbus|newspaper=[[Chillicothe Gazette]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=February 14, 2004|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> However, the Cobras lost the next four games and head coach [[Ed Khayat]] was fired, leading to Gregory's promotion. In the first game with Gregory as interim head coach, taking on the [[ArenaBowl XVII|defending ArenaBowl]] champion [[Tampa Bay Storm]], Carolina scored 24 unanswered points in the third quarter and Nagy had four touchdown passes as the Cobras won 54–43; it was the Cobras' first home win since 2002.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cannon|first=Keith|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28616545/storm_skid_reaches_3_with_loss_to/|title=Storm Skid Reaches 3 With Loss To Carolina|newspaper=[[The Tampa Tribune]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=March 22, 2004|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref>

After Carolina dropped to 3–7, including winning only one of their last eight games, Gregory was replaced by defensive coordinator [[Ron Selesky]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Dorsey|first=David|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28617383/firecats_coach_not_free_to_leave/|title=Firecats coach not free to leave|newspaper=[[The News-Press]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=April 16, 2004|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> while [[Rickey Foggie]] became the starting quarterback for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reinhart|first=Jeffrey|url=https://lancasteronline.com/sports/central-grad-nagy-leads-afl-passers/article_d6cc8ed8-23a6-5873-8890-a9bb7831dd19.html|title=Central grad Nagy leads AFL passers|newspaper=[[LNP (newspaper)|LNP]]|date=March 10, 2005|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> Carolina ended the season 6–10, and Nagy completed 237 of 348 passes for 2,371 yards, 47 touchdowns, and six interceptions in ten starts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arenafan.com/teams/Carolina_Cobras-45/history/2004/|title=2004 Carolina Cobras|work=ArenaFan|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> At the time of his benching, Nagy's 2,371 passing yards ranked sixth in the league.<ref name="Nagy set to sign" />

===Georgia Force===
After becoming a free agent, Nagy visited the [[Philadelphia Soul]] with the hope of playing near home; instead they signed [[Tony Graziani]]. The [[Colorado Crush]] also offered Nagy a contract, but he instead signed a one-year deal with the [[Georgia Force]] on October 27, 2004.<ref name="Nagy set to sign" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arenafan.com/teams/?page=transactions&type=old&team=95|title=Georgia Force Team Transactions|work=ArenaFan|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> Although Nagy was the backup to newly signed [[Jim Kubiak]], Nagy felt Kubiak's injury history – he had missed much of the 2003 season with a [[herniated disc]] – gave him the best chance to play. Nagy also credited [[Atlanta Falcons]] owner [[Arthur Blank]], who had recently purchased the Force, for influencing his decision as the Force could "almost be like a minor-league team for the Falcons. [...] It could be an opportunity for me to latch on with the Falcons."<ref name="Nagy set to sign">{{cite news|last=Reinhart|first=Jeffrey|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35033930/|title=Nagy set to sign 1-year deal with AFL's Force|newspaper=[[Lancaster New Era]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=October 21, 2004|access-date=August 18, 2019}}</ref>

Kubiak began the 2005 season as the starter and led the Force to a 4–1 start before suffering a season-ending left knee injury against the [[Austin Wranglers]]. Upon filling in, Nagy completed 10 consecutive throws to open his stint, with the first being a six-yard touchdown to [[Troy Bergeron]], as the Force won 66–63; Nagy ended the game with 247 passing yards and seven touchdowns to be named Offensive Player of the Game.<ref>{{cite news|last=Coleman|first=Seth|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28617686/force_qb_kubiak_out_for_season/|title=Force QB Kubiak out for season|newspaper=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=March 3, 2005|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> Head coach [[Doug Plank]] described Nagy's relief duty as "probably the single biggest event for our team. To have a setback of that magnitude – losing your quarterback – and then having Matt come in and perform the way he did, that started the momentum for the remainder of the season."<ref>{{cite news|last=Hummer|first=Steve|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28618374/nagy_big_part_of_forces_title_run/|title=Cards falling Nagy's direction|newspaper=[[Lebanon Daily News]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=June 9, 2005|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> With Nagy starting the next 12 games, the Force went 11–5 in the regular season.<ref name="Ex-Bear Doug Plank, Matt Nagy's Arena League coach, on hire">{{cite news|last=Haugh|first=David|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-doug-plank-matt-nagy-20180109-story.html|title=Ex-Bear Doug Plank, Matt Nagy's Arena League coach, on hire: 'He's a leader'|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref>

To open the 2005 playoffs, Nagy threw five touchdowns in a 62–49 victory over the Storm.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.goupstate.com/news/20050530/force-weather-storm-in-afl-playoffs|title=Force weather Storm in AFL playoffs|newspaper=[[Spartanburg Herald-Journal]]|date=May 30, 2005|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> He continued his postseason success as he had seven touchdown throws and a rushing score in the 60–58 triumph over the Predators to advance to [[ArenaBowl XIX]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Hightower|first=Kyle|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2005/06/05/predators-cant-overcome-playoff-power-of-the-force/|title=Predators can't overcome playoff power of the Force|newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|date=June 5, 2005|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> In the ArenaBowl against the Crush, Nagy completed 24 of 36 passes for 247 yards and four touchdowns along with a rushing touchdown, but Colorado's [[Clay Rush]] made a 20-yard field goal as time ran out to win 51–48.<ref name="Ex-Bear Doug Plank, Matt Nagy's Arena League coach, on hire" /><ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2005/06/12/crush-wins-arenabowl/|title=Crush wins ArenaBowl|newspaper=[[The Denver Post]]|date=June 12, 2005|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> Nagy finished the regular season converting 260 of 388 passes for 3,003 yards, 66 touchdowns, and ten interceptions,<ref name="Ex-Bear Doug Plank, Matt Nagy's Arena League coach, on hire" /> and was named second-team [[All-Arena]].<ref name="A gladiator in the arena" />

In October prior to the 2006 season, Nagy convinced former Delaware teammate [[Jamin Elliott]] to join the Force.<ref name="Nagy persuades Elliott to join him in Arena" /> That year, Georgia regressed to an 8–8 regular season record as the team was plagued by disputes within the organization due to the disappointing campaign.<ref name="Nagy has new home in AFL">{{cite news|last=Reinhart|first=Jeffrey|url=https://lancasteronline.com/sports/nagy-has-new-home-in-afl/article_297719df-73d4-54ef-812c-e8a038f88150.html|title=Nagy has new home in AFL|newspaper=[[LNP (newspaper)|LNP]]|date=October 19, 2006|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> When the AFL's trade deadline neared, rumors surfaced that Nagy would be traded to the [[Philadelphia Soul]] for [[Tony Graziani]], while the [[Las Vegas Gladiators]] contacted the Force for his services.<ref name="Nagy turns into 9-TD force at QB" /><ref name="Nagy has new home in AFL"/> Despite his club's struggles, Nagy broke franchise single-season records in completions and attempts (372 for 527), passing yards (4,265), and touchdowns (85), and led the league in passer rating (125.5).<ref name="Nagy turns into 9-TD force at QB" /> The Force qualified for the playoffs and played the Dragons in the first round, where Nagy completed 28 of 39 of this throws for 362 yards and ten total touchdowns, nine of which came by passing, as Georgia won 72–69.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sarra|first=Gregg|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/a-truly-wild-ending-1.512054|title=A truly wild ending|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|date=May 21, 2006|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> A 62–27 second-round defeat courtesy of the [[Dallas Desperados]] knocked the Force out of the playoffs; although Nagy was 21 for 35 with 206 passing yards and four touchdowns, he was also intercepted twice.<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|url=http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/5/109743|title=Force's season comes to an end|publisher=AccessWDUN|date=May 29, 2006|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref>

On August 19, 2006, Nagy was traded to the Destroyers for lineman [[Mike Sutton (American football)|Mike Sutton]] in what the former explained was "the coaches in Georgia [wanting] to go in a different direction".<ref name="Nagy has new home in AFL" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Ledbetter|first=D. Orlando|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28625011/jones_reportedly_failed_drug_test/|title=Force trades QB Nagy for Destroyers lineman|newspaper=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]|date=August 19, 2006|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> Incidentally, Kubiak was instrumental in the decision to trade Nagy, having ended his playing career after 2005 to become the Force's Director of Player Personnel.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hummer|first=Steve|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28654685/greisen_force_quarterback_never_lost/|title=Football journeyman tearing up AFL in first season as Georgia QB|newspaper=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=May 9, 2007|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> Nagy ended his two-year tenure in Georgia as the team's record holder in total passing yards (7,268), completions (632), and touchdowns (151).<ref name="Destroyers Sign QB Matt Nagy To Two-Year Contract Extension">{{cite web|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/destroyers-sign-qb-matt-nagy-to-two-year-contract-extension/n-3522034|title=Destroyers Sign QB Matt Nagy To Two-Year Contract Extension|work=Our Sports Central|date=August 8, 2007|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref>

===Columbus Destroyers===
The 2007 Destroyers opened the season 6–4 before losing five consecutive games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arenafan.com/teams/Columbus_Destroyers-103/history/2007/|title=2007 Columbus Destroyers|work=ArenaFan|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> Needing a win over the Dragons to clinch the National Conference's final playoff spot,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arenafan.com/news/?page=pressrel&article=7753|title=Columbus Destroyers fall to Soul in the final seconds 56–53|work=ArenaFan|date=June 16, 2007|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> Nagy recorded 256 passing yards and seven touchdowns to lead Columbus to a 74–43 victory and a playoff berth at 7–9.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deseret.com/2007/6/24/20026405/kats-nip-rampage-on-last-second-kick/|title=Kats nip Rampage on last-second kick|newspaper=[[Deseret News]]|date=June 24, 2007|agency=Associated Press|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> In the regular season, he threw for 3,561 yards and 75 touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bendetson|first=William|url=http://www.espn.com/extra/afl/news/story?id=2932724|title=Friends spark unlikely Columbus playoff run|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=June 11, 2007|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> In Weeks 15 and 16, Nagy also attempted two [[Conversion (gridiron football)|extra point conversions]], both of which failed: after throwing a touchdown against the [[Kansas City Brigade]] to put the Destroyers up 47–35 with 30 seconds left, Nagy missed the ensuing kick; against Philadelphia, with Columbus leading 53–41 early in the fourth quarter, he tried a [[Drop kick#American and Canadian (gridiron) football|drop kick]] to no success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arenafan.com/statistics/?page=boxscore&gameid=3768|title=Week 15: Kansas City 47 at Columbus 34|work=ArenaFan|access-date=February 26, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arenafan.com/statistics/?page=boxscore&gameid=3759|title=Week 16: Columbus 53 at Philadelphia 56|work=ArenaFan|access-date=February 26, 2019}}</ref>

The Destroyers played the Storm in the opening round; after throwing for five touchdowns, Nagy scored the go-ahead touchdown run with seven seconds remaining in the game. Tampa Bay's [[Seth Marler]] missed the game-winning field goal as time expired to secure the 56–55 triumph. He was named Offensive Player of the Game for his performance.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28656964/destroyers_crush_win_playoff_games/|title=Destroyers, Crush win playoff games|newspaper=[[Indiana Gazette]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=July 1, 2007|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> In the second round, they faced the 15–1 Desperados in Dallas, the first team in league history to win 15 games in the regular season and riding a 12-game home win streak.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hawkins|first=Stephen|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28656896/dallas_dolezel_looks_to_set_another/|title=Dallas' Dolezel looks to set another AFL record|agency=[[Associated Press]]|newspaper=[[Austin American-Statesman]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=July 6, 2007|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> After trailing 35–21 during the second quarter, the Destroyers scored 31 of the game's next 34 points, while Nagy was 20 for 32 for 285 yards and six touchdowns (four passing, two rushing) as Columbus upset Dallas 66–59 to make their maiden Conference Championship appearance.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2007/07/07/columbus-wins-stunning-upset/|title=Columbus wins stunning upset|newspaper=[[The Denver Post]]|date=July 7, 2007|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> Nagy took on the 14–2 Force for the Conference Championship; against his former team and in what he called "his favorite game",<ref name="A gladiator in the arena" /> Nagy completed 23 of 34 passes for 209 yards, five touchdowns, and an interception, while he scored on each of his two carries as the Destroyers won 66–56.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://caasports.com/news/2007/7/27/DELAWARE_ALUM_MATT_NAGY_LEADS_COLUMBUS_DESTROYERS_INTO_ARENA_BOWL.aspx?path=football|title=Delaware alum Matt Nagy leads Columbus Destroyers into Arena Bowl|work=[[Colonial Athletic Association]]|date=July 27, 2007|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref>

Entering [[ArenaBowl XXI]] against the [[San Jose SaberCats]], the Destroyers had the opportunity to become the second straight 7–9 team to win the championship after the [[Chicago Rush]] in [[ArenaBowl XX]]. In three playoff games, the Columbus offense averaged 63 points, compared to 50.1 during the regular season, while Nagy had 14 touchdown passes against two interceptions.<ref name="SaberCats crush Destroyers in ArenaBowl">{{cite web|url=http://archive.boston.com/sports/football/articles/2007/07/29/sabercats_beat_destroyers_in_arenabowl/|title=SaberCats crush Destroyers in ArenaBowl|publisher=[[Boston.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=July 29, 2007|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28657700/upstart_vs_juggernaut_in_showdown/|title=Upstart vs. juggernaut in showdown|newspaper=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=July 29, 2007|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> However, the Destroyers fell greatly below their postseason average, scoring 33 points in a 53–33 loss. Nagy completed 24 of 43 passes for 203 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.<ref name="SaberCats crush Destroyers in ArenaBowl" /> On August 8, he signed a two-year extension with the team.<ref name="Destroyers Sign QB Matt Nagy To Two-Year Contract Extension" />

For the 2008 season, head coach [[Doug Kay]] elected to have Nagy play and serve as the de facto offensive coordinator, but the Destroyers struggled mightily as they opened the year 1–4.<ref name="Kay won’t be back as coach of Destroyers">{{cite news|last=Rabinowitz|first=Bill|url=https://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2008/06/23/destroyers.html|title=Kay won't be back as coach of Destroyers|newspaper=[[The Columbus Dispatch]]|date=June 23, 2008|access-date=February 20, 2019|archive-date=February 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221113655/https://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2008/06/23/destroyers.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Before the sixth game against Tampa Bay, [[Lary Kuharich]] was hired as offensive coordinator; under Kuharich, Columbus scored on their opening possession for the first time that season and eventually won 51–49 with Nagy's six-touchdown day.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rabinowitz|first=Bill|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28659351/storm_come_up_short_vs_columbus/|title=Storm Come Up Short Vs. Columbus|newspaper=[[The Tampa Tribune]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=April 6, 2008|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> The Destroyers finished the year 3–13, tied for the worst record in the league, and Kay was fired.<ref name="Kay won’t be back as coach of Destroyers" /> Nagy completed a total of 358 passes (of 576 attempts) for 4,440 yards, 74 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arenafan.com/teams/Columbus_Destroyers-103/history/2008/|title=2008 Columbus Destroyers|work=ArenaFan|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref>

The AFL folded in late 2008 due to the [[Great Recession]], ending Nagy's playing career.<ref name="From selling homes to the NFL" /> In six seasons, he recorded over 18,000 passing yards, 374 touchdowns throws, 55 interceptions, and 22 rushing touchdowns.<ref name="ArenaFan" />

===Statistics===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="7"| Passing
! colspan="3"| Rushing
|-
! {{abbr|Cmp|Passes completed}} !! {{abbr|Att|Passes attempted}} !! {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} !! {{abbr|TD|Passing touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} !! {{abbr|Rtg|Passer rating}} !! {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} !! {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}}
|-
! [[2002 Arena Football League season|2002]] !! [[2002 New York Dragons season|New York]]
| 105 || 178 || 59 || 1,242 || 27 || 5 || 106.5 || 5 || 4 || 0
|-
! [[2004 Arena Football League season|2004]] !! [[2004 Carolina Cobras season|Carolina]]
| 237 || 348 || 68.1 || 2,371 || 47 || 6 || 113.8 || 7 || 8 || 3
|-
! [[2005 Arena Football League season|2005]] !! [[2005 Georgia Force season|Georgia]]
| 260 || 378 || 68.8 || 3,003 || 66 || 10 || 121 || 5 || 14 || 2
|-
! [[2006 Arena Football League season|2006]] !! [[2006 Georgia Force season|Georgia]]
| 372 || 527 || 70.6 || 4,265 || 85 || 11 || 125.5 || 18 || −1 || 5
|-
! [[2007 Arena Football League season|2007]] !! [[2007 Columbus Destroyers season|Columbus]]
| 339 || 545 || 62.2 || 3,545 || 75 || 15 || 103.9 || 16 || 14 || 6
|-
! [[2008 Arena Football League season|2008]] !! [[2008 Columbus Destroyers season|Columbus]]
| 358 || 576 || 62.2 || 4,440 || 74 || 8 || 112.33 || 16 || 24 || 6
|-
! colspan="2"| Career<ref name="ArenaFan">{{cite web | url=http://www.arenafan.com/players/3024/ | title=Matt Nagy | work=ArenaFan | access-date=August 11, 2017}}</ref> !! 1,671 !! 2,552 !! 65.5 !! 18,866 !! 374 !! 55 !! 115.11 !! 67 !! 63 !! 22
|}

==Coaching career==
===Early coaching===
In 2001, Nagy returned to Manheim Central High School as quarterbacks coach. The following year, he was invited to serve the same position at [[Cedar Crest High School]] in [[Lebanon, Pennsylvania]], where his wife, Stacey, was the girls' track coach.<ref>{{cite news|last=Huggins|first=Pat|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28686811/passing_grade/|title=Passing grade: Ex-Central star relaying knowledge to QBs at Cedar Crest|newspaper=[[Lebanon Daily News]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=September 12, 2002|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> In addition to working with the varsity team, Nagy was also the junior varsity football team's head coach. He worked at Cedar Crest until 2003.<ref>{{cite web|last=Duerrwaechter|first=Erik Christopher|url=https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/1/12/16874568/chicago-bears-matt-nagy-a-football-life-in-depth-look-16th-head-coach-profile-bio-chiefs|title=A profile of the new Chicago Bears' head coach|work=Windy City Gridiron|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|date=January 12, 2019|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref>

After interning with the [[2008 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] during the 2008 NFL offseason, Nagy joined [[Palmyra Area High School]] in [[Palmyra, Pennsylvania]] as offensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite news|last=Young|first=Jeff|url=https://lancasteronline.com/sports/a-qb-with-a-read-on-the-future/article_8e45d479-729e-5d15-953c-ced3b01e8e0f.html|title=A QB with a read on the future|newspaper=[[LNP (newspaper)|LNP]]|date=July 26, 2008|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> The Cougars went 5–5 in his first season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28687437/nagy_gets_his_chance/|title=Nagy gets his chance|newspaper=[[Lebanon Daily News]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=August 11, 2009|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> He stayed with the team through 2009, during which they recorded a 4–6 record, before departing for a full-time job in the NFL.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fidler|first=Chris|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28687477/too_little_too_late_for_cougars/|title=Too little, too late for Cougars|newspaper=[[Lebanon Daily News]]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=November 7, 2009|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Schwab|first=Frank|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-turn-chiefs-offensive-coordinator-matt-nagy-new-head-coach-170531071.html|title=Bears turn to Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy as their new head coach|publisher=[[Yahoo! Sports]]|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref>

===Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs===
In 2009, Veach invited Nagy to return to Philadelphia and intern for the Eagles again.<ref name="From selling homes to the NFL" /> On August 10, three days before their preseason game against the [[2009 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], backup quarterback [[Kevin Kolb]] suffered a knee injury; to avoid putting stress on starter [[Donovan McNabb]] and third-string [[A. J. Feeley]], the Eagles attempted to sign Nagy as a player. Head coach [[Andy Reid]] argued that although Nagy was a coach, he was not being paid for the role and could therefore play. The NFL initially allowed the deal and Nagy practiced the next day, but the league voided it shortly after, officially saying he was still under contract with the AFL.<ref name="Why Matt Nagy spent one morning as an Eagles backup quarterback">{{cite news|last=McLane|first=Jeff|url=https://www.philly.com/eagles/matt-nagy-bears-eagles-andy-reid-coach-intern-quarterback-20190102.html|title= Why Matt Nagy spent one morning as an Eagles backup quarterback|newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=January 2, 2019|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> Furthermore, teams were not allowed to hide potential players in coaching positions.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/11/league-disapproves-matt-nagy-contract/ | title=League disapproves Matt Nagy contract | publisher=[[Profootballtalk.com]] | date=August 11, 2009 | access-date=February 1, 2018 | last=Rosenthal | first=Gregg}}</ref> [[Adam DiMichele]] was eventually signed to fill the open slot.<ref name="Why Matt Nagy spent one morning as an Eagles backup quarterback" /> The following year, Nagy was hired for a full-time job with the Eagles as an assistant to Reid, a position sufficiently low-level that Nagy joked it made him the "assistant to the assistant."<ref name="From selling homes to the NFL" /> With the Eagles, Nagy moved through the coaching ranks by following quality control coach [[Doug Pederson]], taking his role when Pederson became the quarterbacks coach in 2011.<ref name="Stories that shaped the Doug Pederson-Matt Nagy friendship">{{cite web|last=McManus|first=Tim|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/philadelphia-eagles/post/_/id/26802/he-can-crush-food-stories-that-shaped-the-doug-pederson-matt-nagy-friendship|title='He can crush food': Stories that shaped the Doug Pederson-Matt Nagy friendship|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=January 3, 2019|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref>

After a [[2012 Philadelphia Eagles season|4–12 campaign in 2012]], Reid was fired by the Eagles and moved to the [[2013 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Chiefs-hire-Andy-Reid-as-head-coach/24061357316960/|title=Chiefs hire Andy Reid as head coach|work=[[United Press International]]|date=January 4, 2013|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> bringing Pederson and Nagy with him as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, respectively.<ref name="Stories that shaped the Doug Pederson-Matt Nagy friendship" /> In 2016, Pederson went back to the Eagles to become their head coach, and Nagy was promoted to co-offensive coordinator alongside [[spread offense|spread game]] analyst [[Brad Childress]]; during games, Childress worked from a stadium skybox and Nagy on the sidelines.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hanzus|first=Dan|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-name-brad-childress-matt-nagy-co-coordinators-0ap3000000626725|title=Chiefs name Brad Childress, Matt Nagy co-coordinators|publisher=[[National Football League]]|date=January 21, 2016|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> Although Reid called the plays, Nagy directly communicated with the quarterback.<ref name="Chiefs give promotions to assistant coaches Brad Childress, Matt Nagy">{{cite news|last=Paylor|first=Terez|url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article132515804.html|title=Chiefs give promotions to assistant coaches Brad Childress, Matt Nagy|newspaper=[[The Kansas City Star]]|date=February 13, 2017|access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref>

Before the 2017 season, the [[2017 New York Jets season|New York Jets]] attempted to hire Nagy as offensive coordinator, but the move was blocked by the Chiefs; then-Jets head coach [[Todd Bowles]] is a family friend of the Nagys, having played for Nagy's father in high school as well as working alongside Nagy on the Eagles coaching staff in [[2012 Philadelphia Eagles season|2012]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Eurich|first=Matt|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/chicago-bears/Article/Todd-Bowles-Matt-Nagy-coordinator-job-2017-123758518/|title=Todd Bowles wanted to hire Matt Nagy in 2017 for coordinator job|publisher=[[247Sports]]|date=October 24, 2018|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> When Childress was promoted to assistant head coach, Nagy became the lone offensive coordinator.<ref name="Chiefs give promotions to assistant coaches Brad Childress, Matt Nagy" /> In December, with the Chiefs at 6–5 after a 5–0 start to the season, Reid ceded play-calling duties to Nagy.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Campbell|first=Kirstie|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/chiefs-coach-andy-reid-gives-up-play-calling-duties-matt-nagy-jets-week-13/47zojzb42j0g172t2jwch1noh|title=Chiefs coach Andy Reid gives up play-calling duties, report says|magazine=[[Sporting News]]|date=December 3, 2017|access-date=January 9, 2018}}</ref> Under Nagy, the Chiefs finished the regular season 4–1 and averaged 28.6 points during the stretch.<ref>{{cite news|last=Finley|first=Patrick|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/why-the-chiefs-matt-nagy-makes-sense-as-the-bears-next-head-coach/|title=Why the Chiefs' Matt Nagy makes sense as the Bears' next head coach|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=January 9, 2018}}</ref> Kansas City's offense, which ranked 20th in 2016, was the fifth-best unit in 2017; quarterback [[Alex Smith]] led the NFL in passer rating with 104.7 as he threw for a career-best 26 touchdown passes and 4,042 passing yards.<ref>{{cite web|last=Teicher|first=Adam|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/kansas-city-chiefs/post/_/id/23938/heres-what-bears-fans-can-expect-from-matt-nagy|title=Here's what Bears fans can expect from Matt Nagy|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=January 8, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2019}}</ref> In the Wild Card Round, the Chiefs were defeated by the [[2017 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]] after the Titans erased a 21–3 deficit in the second half to win 22–21; amid rumors that Reid was calling plays again, Nagy reaffirmed he was doing so and called the game a "failure in my book."<ref>{{cite news|last=Cox|first=Lorin|url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2018/01/09/matt-nagy-admits-chiefs-playoff-loss-to-titans-was-a-failure-in-my-book/|title=Matt Nagy admits Chiefs playoff loss to Titans was 'a failure in my book'|publisher=Bears Wire|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=February 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Roesch|first=Wesley|url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2018/01/09/matt-nagy-called-all-second-half-plays-in-chiefs-playoff-loss-to-titans/|title=Matt Nagy says he called all second-half plays in Chiefs' playoff loss to Titans|publisher=Chiefs Wire|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=February 14, 2019}}</ref>

===Chicago Bears===
On January 8, 2018, Nagy was hired by the [[Chicago Bears]] to become the 16th head coach in team history.<ref>{{cite news|last=Biggs|first=Brad|title=Bears hire Matt Nagy as franchise's 16th head coach|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-matt-nagy-coach-20180108-story.html|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=January 8, 2018}}</ref> Reid gave his support for Nagy and called him the "best head-coaching candidate he's ever had."<ref>{{cite web|last=Eurich|first=Matt|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/chicago-bears/article/andy-reid-says-chicago-bears-head-coach-matt-nagy-is-the-best-coaching-candidate-hes-had-113400692/|title=Andy Reid says Matt Nagy is the best coaching candidate he's had|publisher=[[247Sports]]|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> Given Nagy's relatively young age at 39, the fact that he was even given serious consideration for a head coaching position was cited as one of the first examples of the "[[Sean McVay effect]]", or the rising trend of teams hiring younger head coaches that specialized in [[American football strategy#Offensive strategy|offensive strategy]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maske |first=Mark |date=January 3, 2018 |title=Will there be a Sean McVay Effect on this year's NFL head coaching searches? |language=en-US |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/01/03/will-there-be-a-sean-mcvay-effect-on-this-years-nfl-head-coaching-searches/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114071512/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/01/03/will-there-be-a-sean-mcvay-effect-on-this-years-nfl-head-coaching-searches/ |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |access-date=October 23, 2022 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Nagy was the first Delaware alumnus to become an NFL head coach.<ref name="Coach of the Year Matt Nagy to speak at Commencement 2019">{{cite web|url=https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2019/april/commencement-2019-speaker-coach-matt-nagy/|title=Coach of the Year Matt Nagy to speak at Commencement 2019|work=[[University of Delaware]]|date=April 9, 2019|access-date=April 9, 2019}}</ref>

In assembling his staff, Nagy convinced defensive coordinator [[Vic Fangio]], who led a top-ten-ranked Bears defense in 2017 and had also interviewed for the team's head coaching job, and his assistants to stay.<ref>{{cite news|last=Potash|first=Mark|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/return-of-dc-vic-fangio-another-big-win-for-new-bears-coach-matt-nagy/|title=Return of DC Vic Fangio another big win for new Bears coach Matt Nagy|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=January 13, 2018|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> Quarterbacks coach [[Dave Ragone]] was the lone Fox offensive assistant to remain in Chicago.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eurich|first=Matt|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/chicago-bears/article/matt-nagy-lays-out-bears-new-mantra-as-obsession-115717829/|title=Matt Nagy lays out Bears new mantra as 'obsession'|publisher=[[247Sports]]|date=March 1, 2018|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> To fill the other openings, Nagy hired coaches with previous ties to him, including Childress as a senior offensive consultant through the 2018 offseason and training camp,<ref>{{cite web|last=Dickerson|first=Jeff|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4707709/brad-childress-expected-to-join-bears-head-coach-matt-nagys-staff|title=Brad Childress expected to join Bears head coach Matt Nagy's staff|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=March 2, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Brad Childress rejoins Bears coach Matt Nagy's staff as senior offensive assistant">{{cite news|last=Kane|first=Colleen|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-brad-childress-hiring-20190501-story.html|title=Brad Childress rejoins Bears coach Matt Nagy's staff as senior offensive assistant|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=May 1, 2019|access-date=May 1, 2019}}</ref> former Chiefs assistant special teams coordinator [[Brock Olivo]] in the same position,<ref>{{cite news|last=Finley|first=Patrick|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/brock-olivo-named-bears-assistant-special-teams-coach/|title=Brock Olivo named Bears assistant special teams coach|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=January 19, 2018|access-date=January 19, 2018}}</ref> Ginn and Eagles colleague [[Bill Shuey]] as quality control coaches,<ref name="Bears to hire Bill Shuey and Brian Ginn as assistants" /> and ex-Dragons teammate [[Mike Furrey]] as wide receivers coach.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goupstate.com/sports/20180112/limestone-football-coach-mike-furrey-steps-down|title=Limestone football coach Mike Furrey steps down|newspaper=[[Spartanburg Herald-Journal]]|date=January 12, 2018|access-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref>

In Nagy's first season as head coach, the Bears won the [[NFC North]] for the first time since 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/index.htm |title=Chicago Bears Team Encyclopedia |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=September 17, 2019}}</ref> They defeated the [[2018 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] on December 16 to improve to 10–4, as Nagy became the second Bears' rookie head coach in team history to win 10 games, joining [[George Halas]] in 1920.<ref>{{cite web|last=Neveau|first=James|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/grizzly-detail/chicago-bears-matt-nagy-makes-history-10-wins-george-halas-502886512.html|title=Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy Makes History With Win|publisher=[[WMAQ-TV]]|date=December 16, 2018|access-date=December 19, 2018}}</ref> Nagy ended the regular season with two more wins, finishing his first year as a head coach with a 12–4 record; he and [[Paddy Driscoll]] (1956) are the only coaches in Bears history to have a winning record and qualify for the playoffs in their debut seasons.<ref>{{cite news|last=Perez|first=Bryan|url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2019/02/21/matt-nagy-set-a-new-bears-record-in-2018/|title=Matt Nagy set a new Bears record in 2018|publisher=Bears Wire|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=February 21, 2019|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> However, the Bears were narrowly defeated by Pederson and the Eagles in the Wild Card Round 16–15 after the game-winning field goal [[Double Doink|was blocked and hit the crossbar twice]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hoge|first=Adam|url=https://wgnradio.com/2019/01/07/hoge-in-the-toughest-of-defeats-nagy-shines-bright-light-on-bears-future/|title=Hoge: In The Toughest Of Defeats, Nagy Shines Bright Light On Bears' Future|publisher=[[WGN-TV]]|date=January 7, 2019|access-date=January 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kerr|first=Jeff|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/Article/Cody-Parkey-Bears-missed-field-goal-changed-to-Treyvon-Hester-block-127458885/|title=NFL changes Cody Parkey missed FG to a block by Treyvon Hester|publisher=[[247Sports]]|date=January 7, 2019|access-date=January 7, 2019}}</ref> In January 2019, Nagy received Coach of the Year honors from the [[Pro Football Writers Association]] and [[Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year Award|Associated Press]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Biggs|first=Brad|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-matt-nagy-nfl-coach-of-the-year-20190202-story.html|title=Matt Nagy caps his 1st Bears season with the NFL Coach of the Year Award|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=February 2, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ellis|first=Cam|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/matt-nagy-named-head-coach-year-pro-football-writers-america|title=Matt Nagy named Head Coach of the Year by Pro Football Writers of America|publisher=[[NBC Sports Chicago]]|date=January 17, 2019|access-date=January 17, 2019}}</ref> He was the first Bears coach to be given the AP award since [[Lovie Smith]] in 2005 and the fifth in team history.<ref>{{cite news|last=Perez|first=Bryan|url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2019/02/03/matt-nagy-joins-legendary-bears-coaches-to-win-nfl-coach-of-the-year/|title=Matt Nagy joins legendary Bears coaches to win NFL Coach of the Year|publisher=Bears Wire|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=February 3, 2019|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref> Nagy also became the fifth coach in team history to record at least 12 wins in a season, joining George Halas, Mike Ditka, Dick Jauron, and Lovie Smith.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/index.htm |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

After the 2018 season, Fangio departed the Bears to become the [[2019 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] head coach; to replace him, Nagy hired [[Chuck Pagano]] as defensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/nagy-players-will-absolutely-love-pagano|title=Nagy: Players will 'absolutely love' Pagano|publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=March 4, 2019|access-date=May 1, 2019}}</ref> Nagy also reunited with Childress, who rejoined the Bears as a senior offensive assistant,<ref name="Brad Childress rejoins Bears coach Matt Nagy's staff as senior offensive assistant" /> and [[Mark DeLeone]], who was the Chiefs' inside linebackers coach during Nagy's tenure and would serve the same position in Chicago.<ref>{{cite news|last=Finley|first=Patrick|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/bears-matt-nagy-dips-into-chiefs-past-names-mark-deleone-new-ilbs-coach/|title=Bears' Matt Nagy dips into Chiefs past, names Mark DeLeone new ILBs coach|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019}}</ref> Despite a 3–1 start to the [[2019 Chicago Bears season|2019 season]], offensive struggles and a four-game losing streak sank them to 4–6. Although the team won three straight games to remain in playoff contention, a Week 15 loss to the Packers dropped them to 7–7 and ended their postseason hopes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dickerson|first=Jeff|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4709599/bears-playoff-dreams-all-but-vanish-in-frigid-loss-to-packers|title=Bears' playoff dreams all but vanish in frigid loss to Packers|work=[[ESPN.com]]|date=December 15, 2019|access-date=December 15, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Stebbins|first=Tim|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/bears-eliminated-postseason-contention-vikings-win|title=Bears eliminated from postseason contention with Vikings win|publisher=[[NBC Sports Chicago]]|date=December 15, 2019|access-date=December 15, 2019}}</ref> The Bears finished the season 8–8, while Nagy's combined 20 wins in 2018 and 2019 were the most by a Bears head coach in his first two seasons.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/quick-hits-pineiro-finishes-with-a-flourish-robinson-continues-to-shine|title=Quick Hits: Pineiro finishes with a flourish, Robinson continues to shine|publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=December 29, 2019|access-date=December 30, 2019}}</ref> Chicago continued to experience difficulties through the season, leading to an offense ranked 29th in the league for the 2019 season. Season's end inspired offensive staff changes such as firing offensive coordinator [[Mark Helfrich (American football)|Mark Helfrich]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Emma|first=Chris|url=https://670thescore.radio.com/chicago-bears-fire-mark-helfrich-three-other-assistant-coaches|title=Bears Dismiss Mark Helfrich, 3 Other Assistants|publisher=[[WSCR]]|date=December 31, 2019|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref>

Among Nagy's new hirings for the [[2020 Chicago Bears season|2020 season]] were offensive line coach [[Juan Castillo (American football)|Juan Castillo]], who worked with him in Philadelphia,<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-hire-castillo-as-offensive-line-coach|title=Bears hire Castillo as offensive line coach|publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=January 5, 2020|access-date=January 5, 2020|archive-date=January 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112010516/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-hire-castillo-as-offensive-line-coach|url-status=dead}}</ref> and quarterbacks coach [[John DeFilippo]], also a former Eagles coach.<ref>{{cite news|last=Barbieri|first=Alyssa|url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/30/chicago-bears-quarterbacks-coach-john-defilippo-speaks-highly-of-new-coaching-staff/|title=John DeFilippo says Bears offensive staff reminds him of 2017 Eagles|publisher=Bears Wire|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=January 30, 2020|access-date=November 13, 2020}}</ref> The team also traded for quarterback [[Nick Foles]], who worked with Nagy in Philadelphia and Kansas City, to compete with starter [[Mitchell Trubisky]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-move-bears-announce-trade-for-foles|title=Roster move: Bears announce trade for Foles|publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=March 31, 2020|access-date=March 31, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dickerson|first=Jeff|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29825805/matt-nagy-officially-tabs-mitchell-trubisky-bears-starting-qb|title=Matt Nagy officially tabs Mitchell Trubisky as Bears' starting QB|website=[[ESPN.com]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=September 6, 2020|access-date=September 8, 2020}}</ref> The Bears started the season 5–1 but followed with a six-game losing streak. With the offense's struggles persisting through the first nine games of the year and through the stretch, including being ranked 29th in points per game and 31st in yards per play, Nagy relinquished play calling duties to new offensive coordinator [[Bill Lazor]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Dickerson|first=Jeff|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30312183/chicago-bears-matt-nagy-hands-play-calling-duties-oc-bill-lazor|title=Chicago Bears' Matt Nagy hands over playcalling duties to OC Bill Lazor for MNF|website=[[ESPN.com]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=November 13, 2020|access-date=November 13, 2020}}</ref> Despite losing a Week 17 contest to the [[2020 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]] where a win would have guaranteed them a playoff spot, the 8–8 Bears made the postseason for the second time in three years under Nagy due to winning a tiebreaker with the [[2020 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]]. They were subsequently eliminated in the Wild Card round with a 21–9 road loss to the [[2020 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Finley|first=Patrick|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2021/1/3/22212177/bears-packers-final-score-back-into-playoffs-rams-cardinals-aaron-rodgers-mitch-trubisky-saints|title=Bears lose to Packers but back their way into playoffs|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=January 3, 2021|access-date=January 3, 2021}}</ref>

Following Trubisky's departure via free agency, the [[2021 Chicago Bears season|2021 season]] began with [[Andy Dalton]] as the Bears' starting quarterback over first-round rookie [[Justin Fields]], while Nagy promoted safeties coach [[Sean Desai]] to defensive coordinator after Pagano retired.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lieser|first=Jason|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2021/6/15/22535824/matt-nagy-justin-fields-can-not-beat-out-andy-dalton-for-bears-starting-qb-job-by-week-1|title=Matt Nagy: Justin Fields can't beat out Andy Dalton for Bears' starting QB job by Week 1|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=June 15, 2021|access-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dickerson|first=Jeff|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30760834/sources-chicago-bears-promote-safeties-coach-sean-desai-defensive-coordinator|title=Chicago Bears promote safeties coach Sean Desai to defensive coordinator|website=[[ESPN.com]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=January 22, 2021|access-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref> Fields was named the starter in Week 3 against the [[2021 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]] after Dalton suffered an injury, but the offense struggled with just 47 net yards as Fields was sacked nine times and recorded only one net passing yard.<ref>{{cite news|last=Polsal|first=Anthony|url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/by-the-numbers-browns-d-holds-bears-to-lowest-yardage-in-franchise-history|title=By the Numbers: Browns D holds Bears to lowest yardage in franchise history|publisher=[[Cleveland Browns]]|date=September 26, 2021|access-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref> Nagy surrendered play calling back to Lazor for the next week's game against Detroit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Barbieri|first=Alyssa|url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2021/10/03/bears-matt-nagy-confirms-bill-lazor-called-plays-against-lions-week-4/|title=Matt Nagy confirms what we already knew: Bill Lazor called plays for Bears|publisher=Bears Wire|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=October 3, 2021|access-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref> Despite a 3–2 start, the Bears went on a five-game losing streak for the third consecutive year with Fields suffering multiple injuries. On October 25, Nagy tested positive for [[COVID-19]], resulting in special teams coordinator [[Chris Tabor]] assuming head coaching duties for Week 8 against the [[2021 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Florio|first=Mike|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/10/30/matt-nagy-wont-coach-on-sunday-due-to-covid-chris-tabor-will-replace-him/|title=Matt Nagy won't coach on Sunday due to COVID, Chris Tabor will replace him|website=[[Profootballtalk.com]]|publisher=[[NBC Sports]]|date=October 30, 2021|access-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref> Chicago finished the season with a 6–11 record, their first losing season since 2017 and Nagy's first as a head coach.<ref name="Bears firing" />

On January 10, 2022, both Nagy and general manager [[Ryan Pace]] were fired by the Bears. Nagy's tenure in Chicago concluded with a {{winpct|34|31|record=y}} record in four seasons, including an 0–2 playoff record.<ref name="Bears firing">{{cite news|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/ryan-pace-matt-nagy-relieved-of-duties-with-bears|title=Pace, Nagy relieved of duties with the Bears|publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=January 10, 2022|access-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref> In a statement released following his dismissal, Nagy thanked the team "for the opportunity to lead one of the game's most storied franchises" and described his stint as "four years I'll always remember."<ref>{{cite news|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/ryan-pace-matt-nagy-release-statements-thanking-bears|title=Pace, Nagy release statements thanking Bears|publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=January 10, 2022|access-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref>

===Return to the Chiefs===
Nagy was brought back by the Chiefs on February 25, 2022, as a senior assistant and quarterbacks coach, replacing the outgoing [[Mike Kafka]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Teicher|first=Adam|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33370335/kansas-city-chiefs-bring-back-former-chicago-bears-head-coach-matt-nagy-senior-assistant-qb-coach|title=Kansas City Chiefs bring back former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy as senior assistant, QB coach|website=[[ESPN.com]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=February 25, 2022|access-date=March 8, 2022}}</ref> Reid described rehiring Nagy as the "logical answer" as he wanted a coach familiar with the current staff and roster, particularly quarterback [[Patrick Mahomes]], with whom Nagy worked in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last=Teicher|first=Adam|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35721136/what-matt-nagy-promotion-oc-means-chiefs|title=What Matt Nagy's promotion to OC means for the Chiefs|website=[[ESPN.com]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=February 24, 2023|access-date=December 30, 2024}}</ref> In his first season back with the Chiefs, they won [[Super Bowl LVII]] against the [[2022 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]], his first Super Bowl victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LVII – Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 12th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202302120phi.htm |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

Nagy was promoted to offensive coordinator on February 24, 2023, his second time at the position for the Chiefs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Green |first=PJ |date=February 24, 2023 |title=Kansas City Chiefs promote Matt Nagy to offensive coordinator |url=https://fox4kc.com/sports/chiefs/kansas-city-chiefs-promote-matt-nagy-to-offensive-coordinator/ |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=Fox4KC.com}}</ref> Nagy helped the Chiefs win [[Super Bowl LVIII]] after defeating the [[San Francisco 49ers]] 25–22.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maaddi |first=Rob |date=February 12, 2024 |title=Patrick Mahomes rallies the Chiefs to second straight Super Bowl title, 25–22 over 49ers in overtime |url=https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

==Coaching style==
===Strategy===
Upon his hiring as Bears head coach, Chicago general manager [[Ryan Pace]] called Nagy "highly intelligent", saying Nagy had a "very creative, outside-the-box thought process".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/pace-nagy-have-formed-strong-partnership-20419674|title=Pace, Nagy have formed strong partnership|work=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref> Nagy considers himself an aggressive coach, a doctrine that has drawn criticism for being "too cute".<ref name="How the Bears Became Fun Again">{{cite magazine|last=Kahler|first=Kalyn|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/01/02/chicago-bears-matt-nagy-defensive-players-dance-celebrations-club-dub-playoffs|title=How the Bears Became Fun Again, One Knock at a Time|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=January 2, 2019|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref>

In Chicago, Nagy operated a variation of the [[West Coast offense]] inspired by Reid, completing short, quick passes to receivers and maintaining possession of the football by throwing instead of running;<ref>{{cite web|last=Mullin|first=John|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/what-will-matt-nagys-passing-offense-look-bears|title=What will Matt Nagy's passing offense look like with the Bears?|publisher=[[NBC Sports Chicago]]|date=July 17, 2018|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref> the quarterback is also permitted to attempt deeper throws, even if they are not completed, to force the defense to cover a wider range of the field.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/vertical-passing-game-a-key-aspect-of-offense|title=Vertical passing game a key aspect of offense|publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=July 23, 2018|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref> Wide receiver assignments were derived from the [[air raid offense]].<ref name="How Matt Nagy's Offense is Similar to Mentor Andy Reid">{{cite web|last=Lazar|first=Evan|url=https://www.clnsmedia.com/bears-patriots-chicago-offense-primer/|title=Bears Primer: How Matt Nagy's Offense is Similar to Mentor Andy Reid|publisher=CLNS Media Network|date=October 18, 2018|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref> Quarterback struggles and defenses playing further back in coverage, which he respectively experienced with the Bears and Chiefs, prompted Nagy to gradually shift toward shorter passes in what he nicknamed a "touchdown to [[checkdown]] mentality."<ref>{{cite news|last=Lazarczyk|first=Logan|url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2024/05/31/matt-nagy-evolution-chiefs-deep-passing/|title=Matt Nagy explains the evolution of Chiefs' deep passing game|publisher=Chiefs Wire|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=May 31, 2024|access-date=December 30, 2024}}</ref>

For running plays, the Bears' offensive line primarily used a gap blocking scheme in which the line creates one lane for the running back to enter, though a [[Blocking (American football)#Zone blocking scheme|zone blocking scheme]], which lets the back decide his own lane based on the line's motions, was also implemented during the 2018 season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cox|first=Lorin|url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/01/matt-nagy-jordan-howard-chicago-bears-running-back-playoffs/|title=Matt Nagy rediscovered the secret to unleashing Jordan Howard|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|publisher=Bears Wire|date=January 1, 2019|access-date=May 1, 2019}}</ref> Since his offenses are predicated in throwing, his teams' rushing attempts typically rank in the league's bottom half yet help the offense avoid long-yardage situations.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kopp|first=Ron|url=https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2024/10/18/24273102/chiefs-roster-matt-nagy-kansas-city-rushing-strategy|title=Matt Nagy breaks down the impact of Chiefs' rushing attack this season|website=Arrowhead Pride|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|date=October 18, 2024|access-date=December 30, 2024}}</ref>

Nagy heavily incorporated concepts designed to distract or fool the defense such as [[Motion (gridiron football)|player movement before the snap]] and [[counter run]]s. The most prominent tactic was the [[run-pass option]] (RPO), which allows the quarterback to analyze the defense as a play begins and make decisions based on what he sees.<ref name="Matt Nagy and Mark Helfrich bring new breed of offense to Bears">{{cite web|last=Eurich|first=Matt|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/chicago-bears/Article/Matt-Nagy-and-Mark-Helfrich-bring-new-breed-of-offense-to-Bears-113562790/|title=Matt Nagy and Mark Helfrich bring new breed of offense to Bears|publisher=[[247Sports]]|date=July 17, 2018|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Benoit|first=Andy|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/11/12/mitchell-trubisky-chicago-bears-playoffs-matt-nagy|title=How the Bears Are Building Trubisky for a Super Bowl Run|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=November 12, 2018|access-date=February 1, 2019}}</ref> To better run the RPO, Nagy hired former [[Oregon Ducks football|Oregon]] head coach [[Mark Helfrich (American football)|Mark Helfrich]] as offensive coordinator in 2018; despite Helfrich's lack of NFL coaching experience at the time, he ran a fast-paced read-option offense at Oregon, a system that would otherwise not work in the NFL as defensive players are too fast but features enough nuances to be included in Nagy's offense.<ref name="Matt Nagy and Mark Helfrich bring new breed of offense to Bears" /> During Nagy's first year as Bears head coach, 19.2 percent of the team's total play calls was an RPO, the second most in the league behind Reid's Chiefs; the previous year under John Fox, only 2.7 percent of plays were RPOs (ranked 26th).<ref>{{cite web|last=Treash|first=Anthony|url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-the-rpo-and-the-andy-reid-coaching-tree|title=The RPO and the Andy Reid coaching tree|publisher=[[Pro Football Focus]]|date=May 17, 2019|access-date=May 29, 2019}}</ref> The [[play-action pass]] off a [[bootleg play]], wherein the quarterback fakes handing off to the running back before running to his side to throw, was also a common play call in his final years with the Bears.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ruiz|first=Steven|url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/12/chicago-bears-mitchell-trubisky-play-action-matt-nagy-contract-analysis-scouting-report|title=Play-action is such a cheat code, it's helping Mitchell Trubisky put up franchise QB numbers|publisher=For The Win|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=December 23, 2020|access-date=December 30, 2024}}</ref>

[[Trick play]]s were frequently used during the 2018 season, designed with assistance from Bears players and given nicknames like "[[Willy Wonka]]" and "[[Oompa Loompa]]", that featured unorthodox formations and players like defenders on offense. One such play, dubbed "Santa's Sleigh" and used against the [[2018 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] in 2018, has exclusively linemen as the five eligible receivers (including four defensive linemen); in the Rams game, quarterback [[Mitchell Trubisky]] faked a hand-off to defensive tackle [[Akiem Hicks]] posing as a running back before throwing to offensive lineman [[Bradley Sowell]] for the touchdown. Nagy draws inspiration for the plays from his career in arena football, where players often [[One-platoon system|played both offense and defense]] and tackles are [[eligible receiver]]s.<ref>{{cite news|last=Campbell|first=Rich|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-matt-nagy-gadget-plays-20181214-story.html|title=Matt Nagy & the Gadget Factory: How trick plays are giving the Bears more than just points on the scoreboard|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=December 16, 2018|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref> As traditional offensive play-calling can be easily adapted and adjusted for accordingly by defenses, Nagy explained the gadget plays can confuse them and allow him to "stay one step ahead of these defensive coordinators."<ref>{{cite news|last=Kilgore|first=Adam|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/01/02/trick-plays-are-now-norm-nfl-playbooks-theyll-be-display-this-postseason/|title=Trick plays are now 'the norm' in NFL playbooks, and they'll be on display this postseason|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 2, 2019|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> As Bears coach, other plays were tributes to the team's history; "Papa Bear Left" was run out of the [[T formation]] made famous by team founder and longtime head coach George "Papa Bear" Halas during the 1930s and 1940s,<ref>{{cite news|last=Campbell|first=Rich|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-packers-observations-trubisky-mack-20180911-story.html|title=5 observations from rewatching Bears-Packers, including Mitch Trubisky's inconsistencies and Matt Nagy's play-calling|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=September 11, 2018|access-date=December 3, 2018}}</ref> while "Freezer Left" was when a defensive tackle received the football on a run up the middle in a manner similar to 1980s Bears defensive lineman [[William Perry (American football)|William "The Refrigerator" Perry]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Finley|first=Patrick|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/bears-dl-akiem-hicks-william-refrigerator-perry-scores-on-handoff/|title=The Fridge, Part II? Bears DL Akiem Hicks scores on handoff|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=December 2, 2018|access-date=December 3, 2018}}</ref> The plays decreased in use after 2018 amid the Bears' offensive struggles.<ref>{{cite news|last=Potash|first=Mark|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2019/11/22/20978653/chicago-bears-matt-nagys|title=Whatever happened to Matt Nagy's bag of tricks?|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=November 22, 2019|access-date=December 15, 2019}}</ref>

Nagy's playing career also inspired certain aspects of his offense. Player archetypes and West Coast plays such as the [[bubble screen]] and [[Hot read (American football)|hot read]] are based in arena football strategy, while his preference to throw deep to stretch the defense is influenced by the indoor sport's tendency to do the same.<ref name="A gladiator in the arena" /> In Kansas City, he devised running plays that relied on misdirection and [[sweep (American football)|jet sweeps]], which were derived from his time in the Wing T at Delaware.<ref name="Arena Football's Influence on the NFL Is Growing">{{cite magazine|last=Orr|first=Connor|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/05/23/arena-football-influence-nfl-matt-nagy-matt-lafleur-omaha-beef|title=Arena Football's Influence on the NFL Is Growing|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=May 22, 2019|access-date=May 29, 2019}}</ref> Arena football concepts were also incorporated into the Chiefs' system during his second stint like quick ball distribution and [[lateral pass]]es.<ref>{{cite news|last=Castillo|first=Rex|url=https://www.wrbl.com/sports/kansas-citys-offensive-play-calling-draws-inspiration-from-indoor-football/|title=Kansas City's offensive play calling draws inspiration from indoor football|publisher=[[WRBL]]|date=February 6, 2024|access-date=December 30, 2024}}</ref>

Personnel-wise, Nagy prefers players who can be utilized in multiple offensive roles. For example, he fields running backs capable of running and catching, including lining up at wide receiver.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/chalktalk/chalk-talk-what-is-plan-at-running-back|title=Chalk Talk: What is plan at running back?|publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=April 5, 2019|access-date=April 8, 2019}}</ref> With this versatility, players can exploit certain deficiencies in the defense, such as defeating a smaller defender with his size and outmatching larger defenders with his speed.<ref name="Things Bears coach Matt Nagy revealed about his offense on Tuesday">{{cite news|last=Campbell|first=Rich|url=https://herald-review.com/sports/football/things-bears-coach-matt-nagy-revealed-about-his-offense-on/article_92908dd6-e40a-5d60-a647-b26880cda880.html|title=Things Bears coach Matt Nagy revealed about his offense on Tuesday|newspaper=[[Herald & Review]]|date=March 27, 2018|access-date=April 8, 2019}}</ref> Unlike offenses that feature a top pass catcher, Nagy-led receiving success is shared between multiple players, a strategy that ''[[Sports Illustrated]]''{{'s}} Kalyn Kahler called a "football [[Lernaean Hydra|Hydra]]"; during Nagy's first stretch as the Chiefs' offensive coordinator, [[Tyreek Hill]] was their top receiver but tight end [[Travis Kelce]] led the team in multiple receiving categories, while wide receiver [[Allen Robinson]] topped the 2018 Bears in receiving yards yet running back [[Tarik Cohen]] had the most receptions.<ref name="How the Bears Became Fun Again" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Eurich|first=Matt|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/chicago-bears/Article/Bears-wideout-production-121242001/|title=Matt Nagy's offense has history of spreading around the ball|publisher=[[247Sports]]|date=August 31, 2018|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref>

As an offensive head coach, Nagy relinquished control of the defense to his defensive coordinator as he did with Vic Fangio in 2018, Chuck Pagano in 2019, and Sean Desai in 2021.<ref>{{cite news|last=Biggs|first=Brad|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-vic-fangio-head-coach-demand-biggs-20181227-story.html|title=With Vic Fangio sure to be in demand, the Bears might need to think outside the box to keep the defensive mastermind|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=December 27, 2018|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Dickerson|first=Jeff|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4709048/chuck-paganos-defensive-style-experience-fit-well-with-bears|title=Chuck Pagano's defensive style, experience fit well with Bears|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=January 15, 2019|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref>

Nagy did not regain play-calling duties upon returning to Kansas City, which remained under Reid's control.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Jonathan|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/redemption-for-matt-nagy-chiefs-offensive-coordinator-making-case-to-get-second-chance-as-head-coach/|title=Redemption for Matt Nagy? Chiefs offensive coordinator making case to get second chance as head coach|website=[[CBSSports.com]]|publisher=[[CBS Sports]]|date=November 8, 2024|access-date=December 30, 2024}}</ref>

===Team culture===
In Chicago, Nagy received praise from players and media for his positive attitude and effect on team morale.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wiederer|first=Dan|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-matt-nagy-new-nfl-coach-20180831-story.html|title='He's a rock star:' The Bears love new coach Matt Nagy, but can he make them winners?|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=September 4, 2018|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref> Although the Bears struggled offensively following 2018, various outlets noted his personality enabled him to maintain locker room cohesion; in an October 2019 article, when the offense was one of the worst-ranked units in the league, [[NBC Sports Chicago]]'s JJ Stankevitz divided Nagy into two personas: "Nagy the leader, and Nagy the offensive mind" with the former being "unquestioned."<ref>{{cite web|last=Stankevitz|first=JJ|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/matt-nagy-offensive-mind-needs-match-matt-nagy-leader|title=Matt Nagy the offensive mind needs to match Matt Nagy the leader|publisher=[[NBC Sports Chicago]]|date=October 14, 2019|access-date=October 22, 2019}}</ref> When Nagy's firing loomed in December 2021, ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' writer Rick Morrissey explained "the Bears fell in love with a person, not a football coach."<ref>{{cite news|last=Morrissey|first=Rick|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2021/12/15/22838285/how-could-bears-been-so-wrong-about-matt-nagy-lets-reminisce-george-mccaskey-ryan-pace-ted-phillips|title=How could the Bears have been so wrong about Matt Nagy? Let's reminisce.|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=December 15, 2021|access-date=February 15, 2022}}</ref>

Nagy models his philosophy after former [[Chicago Cubs]] manager [[Joe Maddon]]'s phrase "Be You", which promotes [[individualism]] by urging players and coaches to enjoy the sport and freely express themselves instead of worry about the NFL's strict and businesslike nature;<ref>{{cite web|last=Emma|first=Chris|url=https://670thescore.radio.com/bears-matt-nagy-background-mantra-be-you-comfortable|title=Be You: Matt Nagy Won't Change Who He Is In Leading Bears|publisher=[[WSCR]]|date=June 26, 2018|access-date=February 7, 2019}}</ref> the line also appeared on Nagy's playbook in bold letters.<ref name="How the Bears Became Fun Again" /> In May 2018, he said, "What can happen, as a player, is you think you need to maybe try a little harder, you may have to act a little different – don't do that. Just be yourself. Do what got you here. As coaches, don't change. If you have a certain style of teaching, then teach that way. Don't change because now you're in the NFL."<ref>{{cite news|last=Jahns|first=Adam|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/bears_coach_matt_nagy/|title='Be you': Bears rookie camp provides inside look at Matt Nagy's coaching style|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=May 14, 2018|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref>

Following victories in 2018, with inspiration from Maddon, Nagy created a post-game locker room celebration called "Club Dub" in which the team participated in a [[dance party]] with a [[disco ball]], lights, and music; "dub" is a slang term for "win".<ref>{{cite news|last=Campbell|first=Rich|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-club-dub-matt-nagy-20181220-story.html|title='You guys are missing out': Chicago's hottest club this season? The Bears' Club Dub.|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=December 20, 2018|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref> According to Nagy, Club Dub was organized as a means to cherish each win considering the difficulty in finding success.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dickerson|first=Jeff|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/82937/inside-club-dub-when-bears-win-dance-party-begins|title=Inside 'Club Dub': When Bears win, dance party begins|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=December 20, 2018|access-date=February 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kane|first=Colleen|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-matt-nagy-joe-maddon-20180918-story.html|title=Matt Nagy takes a page from Joe Maddon's book with a celebratory dance party – and disco ball|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=September 18, 2018|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> His post-win speeches also included saying "Boom!" while driving his arm into the ground like a [[Spike (gridiron football)|football spike]], which became an unofficial rallying cry for the team.<ref>{{cite news|last=Finley|first=Patrick|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/12/21/18353990/boom-how-matt-nagy-s-signature-celebration-connects-with-bears-players|title=Boom! How Matt Nagy's signature celebration connects with Bears players|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=December 21, 2018|access-date=February 15, 2022}}</ref>

During the 2019 season, Nagy created the Sweep the Sheds Award, consisting of a metal broom and bear head, given to an unsung Bears player after every victory. "Sweep the Sheds" is a phrase from the James Kerr book ''Legacy'', which follows the [[New Zealand national rugby union team]]; after games, the All Blacks clean their locker room as an act of humility.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/pierre-louis-wins-sweep-the-sheds-award|title=Pierre-Louis wins Sweep the Sheds Award|publisher=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=October 3, 2019|access-date=October 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Finley|first=Patrick|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2019/7/31/20748190/bears-training-camp-2019-matt-nagy-legacy-inside-book-inspiring-rugby-tidying-up-mitch-trubisky|title=The book inspiring the Bears is about rugby and tidying up|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=July 31, 2019|access-date=October 22, 2019}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Nagy married his high school sweetheart, Stacey, in 2002.<ref name="A gladiator in the arena" /> They have four sons.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jahns|first=Adam|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/football-family-and-focus-an-inside-look-at-the-world-of-bears-coach-matt-nagy/|title=Football, family and focus: An inside look at the world of Bears coach Matt Nagy|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=July 11, 2018|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> Before joining the Arena Football League, he was a teacher in the [[Manheim Central School District]].<ref name="Nagy turns professional" /> After his playing career ended, Nagy worked at home construction company Keystone Custom Homes, receiving the position after Steve Saunders introduced him to Keystone executive Larry Wisdom. With Wisdom's blessing, he left the business when he joined the Eagles full-time.<ref name="From selling homes to the NFL" />

In spite of his parents' divorce, Nagy remained close with both.<ref name="A gladiator in the arena" /> His father, Bill, is a former defensive line coach for New Jersey high schools, winning a state championship with [[Elizabeth High School (New Jersey)|Elizabeth High School]] in 1980. After his coaching career, he was a businessman for various ventures before becoming a teacher in 2009, teaching at schools in the areas where Matt was coaching at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mhedteach.com/2017/01/05/sub-spotlight-bill-nagy/|title=Sub Spotlight: Bill Nagy|work=Morgan Hunter Education|date=January 5, 2017|access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> Nagy has stepsiblings Luke and Jenna on his father's side; Luke played receiver and safety at Manheim Central High School.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reinhart|first=Jeffrey|url=https://lancasteronline.com/sports/a-family-tradition/article_3b059f6f-3805-5a75-a2ab-b150b6e9e9f3.html|title=A family tradition|newspaper=[[LNP (newspaper)|LNP]]|date=November 24, 2006|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>

==Head coaching record==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"|Team !! rowspan="2"|Year !! colspan="5"|Regular season !! colspan="4"|Postseason
|-
! Won !! Lost !! Ties !! Win % !! Finish !! Won !! Lost !! Win % !! Result
|- style="background:#fdd;"
! [[2018 Chicago Bears season|CHI]] || [[2018 NFL season|2018]]
| 12 || 4 || 0 || {{winpct|12|4}} || '''1st in NFC North''' || 0 || 1 || {{winpct|0|1}} || <small>'''[[Double Doink|Lost]] to [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in [[2018–19 NFL playoffs|NFC Wild Card Game]]'''</small>
|-
! [[2019 Chicago Bears season|CHI]] || [[2019 NFL season|2019]]
| 8 || 8 || 0 || {{winpct|8|8}} || 3rd in NFC North || — || — || — || —
|- style="background:#fdd;"
! [[2020 Chicago Bears season|CHI]] || [[2020 NFL season|2020]]
| 8 || 8 || 0 || {{winpct|8|8}} || '''2nd in NFC North''' || 0 || 1 || {{winpct|0|1}} || <small>'''Lost to [[New Orleans Saints]] in [[2020–21 NFL playoffs|NFC Wild Card Game]]''' </small>
|-
! [[2021 Chicago Bears season|CHI]] || [[2021 NFL season|2021]]
| 6 || 11 || 0 || {{winpct|6|11}} || 3rd in NFC North || — || — || — || —
|-
! colspan="2"|[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/NagyMa0.htm Total] || 34 || 31 || 0 || {{winpct|34|31}} || || 0 || 2 || {{winpct|0|2}} ||
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.chiefs.com/team/coaches-roster/matt-nagy Kansas City Chiefs profile]
* [http://www.arenafan.com/players/?page=players&player=3024 Arena Football profile]

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