Jim Nagy Leaves Senior Bowl for Oklahoma GM Role Bringing NFL Scouting Expertise

Oklahoma just made a serious addition to its football program, bringing in Jim Nagy as the team’s new general manager. The school announced the hire Wednesday, putting the longtime Senior Bowl director in charge of roster management, player evaluation, and navigating the increasingly complex world of NIL, the transfer portal, and scholarship limits.
For a program that’s already one of the biggest in college football, this is a sign that Oklahoma isn’t just keeping up—it’s looking to get ahead. Nagy’s job will go beyond recruiting; he’ll be shaping how the Sooners build their roster in a way that mirrors how NFL teams operate.

Before running the Senior Bowl, Jim Nagy spent years as a scout for multiple NFL teams, including the Washington Redskins (now Commanders), New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and Seattle Seahawks. When he took over the all-star game in 2018, he turned it into an even bigger pipeline to the league, strengthening its ties with NFL decision-makers and making it a must-attend event for scouts and coaches.
Now, he’s taking that experience to Norman, where he’ll work alongside head coach Brent Venables to shape the future of Oklahoma football.

“This is a new era in intercollegiate athletics at one of the greatest college football programs in the country,” Nagy said in a statement. “The legacy of excellence that precedes my arrival is a testament to the leadership at OU and the university’s commitment to execute at a championship level. I am honored to bring my experience and work ethic to this program and am confident that through collaboration and effort, we can achieve excellent results.”
Oh, and if you’re wondering whether he knows how to win—Nagy has four Super Bowl rings to his name from his time with Green Bay, New England, and Seattle. His ability to identify and develop talent is well-documented, which makes him an even more intriguing hire for Oklahoma.

Jim Nagy’s departure is a major shift for the Senior Bowl, which has been played in Mobile, Alabama, since 1951. Under his leadership, the game moved from Ladd-Peebles Stadium to South Alabama’s Hancock Whitney Stadium, navigated the challenges of COVID-19, and continued to produce NFL talent at an increasing rate.
“The past seven years at the Reese’s Senior Bowl have been some of the most rewarding of my professional career,” Nagy said. “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.”
Scott Cooper, president of the Mobile Arts & Sports Association, which operates the Senior Bowl, praised Nagy for elevating the game’s status.
“Jim has overseen incredible growth of the game and has elevated the entire all-star model since taking over,” Cooper said. “Because of Jim’s leadership, the Senior Bowl is strongly positioned as the unquestioned top all-star showcase and the first stage of the draft process moving forward.”
The search for Nagy’s replacement is already underway, but his impact on the event won’t be easily replaced.

For Oklahoma, this hire is about more than just adding another front-office figure. Nagy brings years of NFL scouting experience and a deep understanding of how to evaluate and develop talent. In an era where roster management is just as important as coaching, his role could be the key to keeping the Sooners at the top as they transition to the SEC.
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And if you needed any more proof that his name is rising fast in football circles—Nagy recently interviewed for the New York Jets’ general manager job in December 2024. That should tell you all you need to know about how highly regarded he is in the industry.
Oklahoma is thinking long-term with this move. Now, it’s up to Nagy to prove he can bring the same eye for talent and roster-building expertise that made him such a valuable figure in the NFL world.