“Matt and I have a great relationship,” Reid said of Nagy, who was the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator for the past three years. “Before the season started here, I knew he wanted the opportunity to have his own show. He’s been a head coach. He was Coach of the Year (with the Chicago Bears in 2018). All the things I’ve said about him, I still feel (the same way) about him.
“He deserves to get a head coaching job. If not, this gives him a chance to go out and do his thing. I mean, somebody’s missing a gem here. That’s how I feel. I’d love to see him pick up and go. At the same time, we got a gem back (in Bieniemy). It’s a win-win opportunity here when it’s all said and done.”
Earlier this month, Nagy’s contract expired after the Chiefs finished 6–11 and missed the postseason. Since then, Nagy has been going through coaching interviews throughout the league – and was a finalist for the Tennessee Titans’ opening position, a job that ultimately went to Robert Saleh.
The Chiefs released a thank you post to Nagy on their social media accounts on Friday, acknowledging that he will not be on the coaching staff in 2026. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes responded to the post with a short post on Instagram complete with a saluting face emoji.
“Thanks for everything Coach!” Mahomes wrote. “Made me a better player and person!”
In Nagy’s three years as offensive coordinator, the Chiefs reached two Super Bowls, winning in 2023 to become the first franchise in two decades to repeat as champions.
An argument can be made that Nagy’s best work in the role was during the 2024 season, when the Chiefs were chasing a three-peat. Despite significant injuries to running backs Isiah Pacheco and receivers Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice – as well as the acquisition of receiver DeAndre Hopkins before the trade deadline – Nagy was able to adjust the Chiefs’ offense to the team, at one point being able to win 17 consecutive one-score games over two seasons, including the postseason, which was the longest streak in NFL history.
More than three weeks ago, Nagy acknowledged his desire to earn another opportunity to become a head coach. Four teams entering Monday — the Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders — still have a head coach vacancy.
“The last three years have been more unique for me. It’s more important from a structural standpoint than an organizational standpoint,” Negi said. “Being a former head coach who is helping Coach Reid, whenever you look at what happened this year as an offense, you get frustrated, disappointed because as a coordinator it’s your job to make sure everything goes the right way and you’re successful and win. That didn’t happen. However, it motivates me. It motivates me. I don’t run away from it. I’ve been through a lot in my life in coaching.
“I feel really good about where I’m at. I’ve prepared for years, because I’ve been through it, (to have the right moment). Everything I went through in Chicago happened for a reason. To be able to come back to Kansas City and be here with Coach Reid and all these players, it’s special. It’s that time of year again, so be ready for it.”
Reid shared Monday that he had interviewed other coaches for the offensive coordinator opening before the Chiefs requested the Bears to interview Bieniemy last week. On the move from Nagy to Bieniemy, Reid said the transition was logical for the unit, especially since Bieniemy rejoining the team would reunite him with Mahomes, who had his best performance of his nine-year career from 2018-22.
“EB will be very straightforward with (Mahomes), like he does with everybody,” Reed said. “(Mahomes) knows it’s coming from a place of knowledge. Patrick loved Nagy, and he loves EB too
“I know both guys and know them well. I’ve worked with them and won championships with them. Here’s Nagy in a situation where he’s got a chance to potentially step up and make big things happen for (him) and his family. On one side of it, I’m pushing it, saying, ‘Let’s go, man! Do your thing!’ On the other hand, I have to sit there and say, ‘Who’s going to replace this guy who just came off winning a couple championships and going to three Super Bowls.'”
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