NEWSLETTER
One of the sneaky cool things about following the NFL obsessively is that you learn to recognize patterns in when things are released. So if you want to nerd out with me, then keep in mind that local and national reporters love emptying their notebook at the end of the week. That means that Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday is prime time for league reporters to share rumors and gossip from around the league. And this week is no exception.
For instance, in his latest notebook, Pro Football Network insider Aaron Wilson hears the Kansas City Chiefs’ succession plan includes Matt Nagy replacing Andy Reid as head coach whenever Reid hangs ’em up. From the article:
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid is one of the most successful head coaches in the NFL, with a regular-season record of 235-135-1 and a Super Bowl victory.
But what’s next for the Chiefs whenever the 64-year-old retires?
One league source predicted an eventual succession plan for the Chiefs involving senior assistant and quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy, the former Chicago Bears head coach, eventually succeeding Reid.
“Matt is someone that Andy has a lot of confidence in, and he’s highly respected by the entire organization,” a source said. “I could see this happening in a few more years. For now, Andy is all in with what he’s doing, and I don’t foresee a change during the offseason.”
The idea of Matt Nagy getting another head coaching job blows my mind. And the thought of him inheriting Patrick Mahomes feels like the type of nepotism that comes straight from a Hollywood script. Sure, Nagy left Chicago with a winning record. And that 2018 season was memorable for what the Bears did on the field and some of the bonds we were able to build as fans off of it. But discussing Nagy getting a second shot so soon just doesn’t sit right with me. I can’t imagine there are too many Bears fans who wouldn’t co-sign that alongside yours truly.
However, it is worth pointing out that Wilson’s story underscores that Reid isn’t going anywhere any time soon. So lock him in as the head coach. Meaning that if Nagy is really the heir apparent, it won’t be for a while. Think 4-5 years for that possibility to present itself, if it ever does. If Bill Belichick can coach into his 70s, why can’t Reid?
Maybe Nagy finds another gig before then and leaves the roost. Perhaps he lands an offensive coordinator job under a head coach who is a play caller. Heck, who’s to say that Reid doesn’t coach forever? Or that he has a change of heart in terms of his succession plan. It wouldn’t be the first time.
In the end, I find succession plans to be interesting. And I thought as much when Bruce Arians handed the keys to Todd Bowles in Tampa Bay. But Nagy? Really? Perhaps we’re too close to the situation. The end of the Nagy regime left scars. Or maybe we’re actually well-positioned to warn the Chiefs about what they could be bringing upon themselves.
