Matt Nagy, Steve Spagnuolo praise Jets’ head coach process

NEW ORLEANS — The Jets can see what they missed out on in Sunday’s Super Bowl if the Chiefs play well. 

The Jets interviewed both Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for their head-coach opening. They ultimately hired Aaron Glenn, and they have no regrets, but they’ll get to watch two of their candidates coach in the big game. 

“I was honored to talk with Woody [Johnson] and Mike Tannenbaum and Rick [Spielman] and all the guys in the interview,” Spagnuolo said. “It’s different because it’s a Zoom interview. It’s kind of hard. I’m a relational guy. I like to be around, but I was very honored to have them ask and talk to them. It didn’t work out. I’m happy for Aaron Glenn. I think he’ll do a terrific job. But I really respect the people there.” 

Nagy grew up in New Jersey and this would have been a homecoming for him. 

“It was a great opportunity,” Nagy said. “I was very appreciative of it. It is close to family there in New Jersey. It’s one of those deals where you get your name back in the mix and get back into that experience. I’m very appreciative of the Jets for that.” 

Nagy and Spagnuolo have been head coaches before. Nagy led the Bears from 2018-21 and went 34-31 with two playoff appearances. Spagnuolo was the Rams coach from 2009-11 and went a dismal 10-38. 

Both men said they hope to get another shot at a head-coaching gig. There was a thought the Jets might go with an experienced coach this time, but Glenn is a first-time head coach. 

Nagy and Spagnuolo said the Jets’ process was a good one and they appreciated the chance to speak to them. They were preparing for the playoffs when they had their interviews, which hindered them a bit. 

“I’m just a firm believer that you owe all of your efforts to the people that you’re working for at the present time,” Spagnuolo said. “When you still have a game to play, all the focus is on that. The week we went through these interviews, we were preparing for four possible opponents. We have that going on. But I did explain to everyone I talked to that, look, I haven’t dove deep into their football organization but I would if I got the chance going forward. It just didn’t work out that way. There are a lot of twists and turns to it when you’re still playing.” 

Both said there was a discussion about quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but neither got in depth on the situation. 

“There was a little bit of that,” Nagy said. “It’s only fair when you go through that process you want to be open and honest with them. Let’s be real: When you’re somebody like myself and you’re not there and you’re so far entrenched with what’s going on with Kansas City, you don’t truly know what is going on. You’re going to have opinions and stuff. 

“Trust me, I know Aaron pretty well. I know what he’s done to us when I was in Chicago. I think he’s a hell of a quarterback. But there’s a lot of stuff that goes on and that’s a process itself, and I don’t think it’s really fair. … Coach Glenn’s going to go through that and where they want to go, but I have a lot of respect for Aaron Rodgers.”