Sooners hire Nagy as General Manager of athletics

NORMAN — Oklahoma Sooners have now joined the several other SEC programs in hiring a general manager to help bridge the gap between athletes, coaches and NIL.

The Sooners are coming off a 6-7 season under third year coach Brent Venables. Oklahoma desperately needed a spark with the hire of national scout Jim Nagy. This is a move to rebuild its program and how better than to hire someone with deep connections to both college and NFL ranks.

Here is what Nagy had to say about giving up his perch at the Reese’s Senior Bowl to make a full-time impact exclusively at the college level. 

“The past seven years at the Reese’s Senior Bowl have been some of the most rewarding of my professional career and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be even a small part of the game’s rich history. Being a steward to the City of Mobile and the National Football League’s 32 member clubs was a responsibility I took very seriously, and it has been an honor serving both entities.

I would like to thank our chairman, Mr. Angus Cooper II, and Mobile Arts & Sports Association President Scott Cooper for supporting the vision we set forth back in 2018 and their continued support throughout my tenure. In addition, there are so many other groups to thank, and I am truly appreciative for all the relationships I have developed with sponsors, the National Football League office, NFL coaches and front office members, college coaches and administrators, agents, local and national media, and most importantly, our players. Lastly, a special thanks goes out to our Senior Bowl family, which consists of the talented team at our 151 Dauphin Street office, unbelievably loyal game week support staff, and dedicated 300-plus strong volunteer committee. It has been my privilege working alongside all of you.

This year’s Senior Bowl week was arguably our best ever, from the talented roster to the sellout crowd to the storybook walk-off touchdown by TCU wide receiver Jack Bech. I look forward to watching the popularity and scope of the game continue to grow and the future of the game is certainly very bright.
As my family transitions to a new chapter, we are excited about the great experience that lies ahead at the University of Oklahoma. It was going to take a special opportunity for us to leave Mobile and becoming the general manager of Sooner Football is exactly that. I cannot wait to get to Norman and help Coach Venables and his staff build a roster that consistently competes for SEC championships and CFP titles.”

Nagy helped transform the Senior Bowl into a nationally respected brand. As expected, his departure leaves a gaping hole at one of the biggest postseason events for college seniors and juniors who leave early.

Mobile Arts & Sports Association President Scott Cooper released a statement assuring there will be a plan in place for the Senior Bowl to continue growing.