John Harbaugh hired Matt Nagy within 24 hours of a blunt conversation that changed the direction of the Giants’ staff build. Before Week 1 of the NFL season, Harbaugh told him, “Let’s let those scars go to work,” and Nagy said the message landed fast.
That is why Nagy’s arrival is drawing attention now. He said Harbaugh called after Todd Monken landed the Browns head coaching job, then moved quickly once the two had a very candid exchange. Nagy said, “I’m so appreciative of coach Harbs for giving me an opportunity when the time came up,” and added that Harbaugh “believed in me, and he understands that I am a coach that has scars.”
Those scars are not hard to find. Nagy said he was turned down in head coaching interviews this offseason, including by the Titans, and his departure from the Chiefs was described as a mutual parting of ways. He was also the Bears head coach from 2018-21, a stretch that began with a 12-4 first season and a Coach of the Year award before later setbacks changed the public view of him.
Harbaugh’s decision also fits into a larger staff overhaul. He added Brian Callahan and Greg Roman as well, giving the Giants more than one voice around the quarterback room and the play sheet. But it is Nagy’s role that will draw the closest look, because some pundits have already wondered how much leash he will really have if he is the playcaller.
That skepticism is not hard to understand when the recent record is placed beside the promise. The Chiefs went 5-11 last year before Nagy’s departure as offensive coordinator, yet the Giants have shown signs of life, ranking seventh in yards per play at 5.8 over their last three games while operating under their third starting quarterback in J.J. McCarthy. The next test is whether Harbaugh’s faith turns into real authority for Nagy, or whether the new hire becomes another name in a crowded staff with only limited control over the offense.
