Nagy Sees Jaxson Dart‑Isaiah Likely Duo Echoing Mahomes‑Kelce

Matt Nagy, who once guided the early days of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, now sees a similar spark in the New York Giants’ rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and tight end Isaiah Likely. The former Chiefs offensive coordinator believes the pair could evolve into a Hall‑of‑Fame‑worthy duo, reflecti…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 20 Sep 2026 00:48:21 GMT

When Matt Nagy first stepped onto the field as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator in 2017, the Kansas City roster was on the cusp of a historic transformation. Patrick Mahomes, then a rookie backup to Alex Smith, and veteran tight end Travis Kelce were just beginning to find their rhythm. Nagy watched the chemistry that would later become one of the NFL’s most prolific quarterback‑tight end pairings develop quietly in practice and in the early games of the season. Fast forward to the present, and Nagy is now coaching the New York Giants, where a new partnership is forming between rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and tight end Isaiah Likely. He sees echoes of the Mahomes‑Kelce dynamic in their early interactions and believes the duo has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Giants’ offense.

From Chiefs to Giants: Nagy’s Coaching Journey

Matt Nagy’s coaching career has taken him from the front office of the Kansas City Chiefs to the sidelines of the Chicago Bears, and now to the New York Giants. He first earned national attention as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator in 2017, a year that laid the groundwork for the team’s explosive offense. During that season, Patrick Mahomes was still a rookie, and Travis Kelce was in his fifth year with the Chiefs. Although Mahomes only appeared in one game that season, the foundation for their partnership was already being built through rigorous practice sessions and strategic play-calling.

After a four‑year stint as the Bears’ head coach, Nagy returned to Kansas City in 2021, again taking on the role of offensive coordinator. Over the next four seasons, he helped refine the offensive system that propelled Mahomes and Kelce to become one of the most dominant duos in NFL history. Their synergy has since earned them a place in the conversation for Hall of Fame consideration.

Spotting the Spark in New York

Now, as the Giants’ offensive coordinator, Nagy has the opportunity to apply the lessons learned from his time in Kansas City to a new set of players. Jaxson Dart, a rookie quarterback drafted by the Giants in 2026, has already shown flashes of promise during preseason games. His arm strength, decision‑making, and ability to read defenses have drawn comparisons to early Mahomes. Meanwhile, Isaiah Likely, a tight end who entered the league in 2025, has emerged as a reliable target for Dart, demonstrating solid route running and hands that could mirror Kelce’s early development.

During a preseason matchup on August 15, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Dart connected with Likely on a key pass in the first half. The play, captured in a photo by NY Post photographer Noah K. Murray, highlighted the natural chemistry between the two. Nagy noted that the duo’s connection felt “like a fresh spark” and reminded him of the early days of Mahomes and Kelce.

Why This Comparison Matters

For the Giants, establishing a strong quarterback‑tight end partnership is crucial for offensive success. The franchise has struggled to find a consistent offensive identity in recent years, and a dynamic duo could provide the stability and explosiveness needed to compete in the NFC East. Additionally, the comparison to a Hall of Fame‑worthy partnership offers a narrative that can energize the fan base and create a sense of optimism for the future.

From a coaching perspective, Nagy’s experience with building a successful offense gives him a unique advantage. He can tailor play designs that leverage Dart’s arm talent and Likely’s route-running skills, much like he did with Mahomes and Kelce. The potential for a high‑scoring offense could also attract media attention and increase the Giants’ visibility in a crowded sports market.

Next Steps for the Giants

As the regular season approaches, the Giants will focus on refining the Dart‑Likely connection through targeted drills, film study, and game‑like practice scenarios. Nagy plans to incorporate more vertical passing concepts and quick‑release plays to maximize the duo’s strengths. The coaching staff will also monitor the development of other offensive weapons, ensuring that the team’s attack remains balanced and unpredictable.

While the Giants’ offensive future remains uncertain, the early signs suggest that a partnership between Jaxson Dart and Isaiah Likely could become a cornerstone of the franchise’s resurgence. Whether the duo can replicate the success of Mahomes and Kelce remains to be seen, but the foundation laid by Nagy’s coaching philosophy offers a promising roadmap.

Key facts

Matt Nagy guided the early Mahomes‑Kelce partnership as Chiefs OC in 2017.
He now coaches the Giants, where rookie QB Jaxson Dart and TE Isaiah Likely show early chemistry.
Nagy sees parallels to the Mahomes‑Kelce dynamic, suggesting potential for a Hall‑of‑Fame‑worthy duo.
The Giants aim to develop this partnership into a cornerstone of their offense.
Nagy’s coaching experience will guide play design to maximize Dart and Likely’s strengths.
The outcome could revitalize the Giants’ offensive identity and fan excitement.

Why it matters

The comparison offers the Giants a blueprint for building a high‑impact offense and gives fans a narrative of potential greatness, while Nagy’s experience positions him to nurture a partnership that could reshape the team’s competitive outlook.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Matt Nagy?

Matt Nagy is a former Chiefs offensive coordinator who guided Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce early in their careers and is now the Giants’ offensive coordinator.

What is the significance of the Dart‑Likely pairing?

The pairing could become a key offensive weapon for the Giants, mirroring the success of the Mahomes‑Kelce duo and potentially leading to a high‑scoring, balanced offense.