GOOD NEWS:Jets finish interviewing Matt Nagy for head coach position…

The New York Jets have completed a virtual interview with Matt Nagy for their open head coach position. Nagy, 46, is currently the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, a role he’s held for the past two seasons during his second tenure with the team. His first stint with Kansas City began in 2013 when he joined as the quarterbacks coach. He then became the offensive coordinator from 2016 to 2017, which led to his hiring as the head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2018.

During his four years as the Bears’ head coach, Nagy achieved a record of 34-31, and made the playoffs twice. In his first year as head coach, he had an impressive 12-4 record, securing an NFC North division title, and was recognized as the AP Coach of the Year. Nagy’s leadership helped the Bears return to the postseason in 2020, albeit as a wild card team. However, after a disappointing 6-11 season in 2021, his tenure ended, marking his only losing season as a head coach.

After his departure from the Bears, Nagy rejoined the Chiefs in 2022 as their senior assistant and quarterbacks coach, under head coach Andy Reid. Reid had previously been Nagy’s mentor, providing him with his first NFL coaching opportunity in 2008 when he worked with the Philadelphia Eagles. Nagy spent several years with the Eagles in various roles, including coaching intern from 2008 to 2009, coaches’ assistant in 2010, and offensive quality control coach from 2011 to 2012. These roles set the foundation for his move to the Chiefs alongside Reid.

Nagy hails from Dunellen, New Jersey, and grew up in Manheim, Pennsylvania. He played college football at Delaware before entering the professional arena. Although he went undrafted in the 2001 NFL Draft, Nagy spent seven seasons playing in the Arena Football League, an experience that helped shape his football career and coaching journey.

In the NFL’s current hiring process, teams that are interviewing candidates whose current teams are still in the playoffs and have a bye week can conduct virtual interviews. These interviews are allowed to take place between Wednesday and the end of wild-card weekend, with a maximum length of three hours. For assistants who are under contract with other teams, in-person interviews can only begin on January 20, unless those teams are still competing in the conference title games.

Jets Chairman Woody Johnson is overseeing the search for both the head coach and general manager. To assist with this process, the team enlisted the services of The 33rd Team, a consulting group that has been helping to identify and vet coaching candidates, as well as coordinate interviews for the Jets.

This is part of a broader effort by the Jets to find a new leader for their team, after the firing of former head coach Robert Saleh. The Jets have been actively pursuing potential candidates, and the interview process is expected to continue in the coming weeks as the search for a new head coach intensifies.

Nagy’s interview with the Jets marks a significant step in his potential return to a head coaching role, as he has experience in both leading a team and in offensive coaching, making him an attractive candidate for the job. His prior experience with the Bears and the Chiefs has provided him with valuable insights into what it takes to build a competitive team, as well as the challenges that come with managing an NFL roster. While his time with the Bears ended on a sour note, many believe that his success with the Chiefs as an offensive coordinator, coupled with his coaching pedigree under Andy Reid, gives him the tools necessary to succeed in a new environment.

As the Jets continue to assess their options for the next head coach, they are looking for someone who can lead them back to relevance in the NFL after years of underperformance. The team is hoping to find a coach with a clear vision for the future, capable of developing young talent and guiding the team back to the postseason.

The Jets’ process is ongoing, and other candidates are likely to be interviewed in the coming weeks. The final decision on the next head coach will be a critical one for the team, as they look to make significant strides and regain competitiveness in a tough AFC East division. With their search still in its early stages, it’s clear that the Jets are committed to finding the right leader who can guide them to success.