Tag: Dave Toub

Chiefs HC Andy Reid shares plan for former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit

#Chiefs HC Andy Reid shared his plan for Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit during a press conference this week.

The Kansas City Chiefs made a surprising move a few weeks ago, signing former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit. The move was forward-thinking and a potential game-changer if the rugby star can transition his skills to a football gridiron and contribute to the offense.

During Monday’s Zoom press conference with reporters, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid fielded questions about Rees-Zammit’s adaptation to NFL football.

“Yeah, so he was introduced to this when he was young when his dad played for six years in the European league,” Reid explained. “He’s somewhat familiar with the sport and has had success in rugby. And there are some similarities there as a contact sport, and he’s had the ball and does those things and runs with the ball.

“We’ll start him off at the running back position and get him to feel comfortable with that. Going forward here, he’s had an opportunity to also go down there to Dallas and work with Pat (Patrick Mahomes), and so again, he’ll get used to some of these calls through our Zooms and the plays, and then we’ll just see where it goes from there.”

Rees-Zammit announced months ago his intentions to join the NFL’s International Pathway program (IPP) to earn a spot on a roster. He thrilled scouts during his workouts enough for the Chiefs to bring him in this offseason.

“Dave (Toub) will have an opportunity to have him on special teams and see where that goes,” Reid said. “That’s not an easy transition, but he seems to have been wired to playing competitive rugby professionally since he was 17. He’s sitting there 23; he’s had a pretty good career, with that kind of understanding of the professional game and the mindset to play at the professional level.”

The change in kickoff formation for next season has led to more interest in Rugby players because of the similar alignments. Reid addressed the strong possibility of Rees-Zammit immediately filling that role.

“Potentially, they’re all out there working on returns,” said Reid, who left that decision to special teams coordinator Dave Toub. “So before and during practice, we’ll just see what his feel is and where that goes.”

The new kickoff format was inspired by the Spring Football League, the UFL, as the NFL attempts to innovate the process for better results in the future.

Chiefs tender exclusive rights free agent LB Cole Christiansen

The Kansas City #Chiefs tendered exclusive rights free agent LB Cole Christiansen on Monday.

The Kansas City Chiefs have made an offseason move to retain a promising member of their defense for the 2024 NFL season.

The deadline for extending a qualifying offer or risk losing a player to free agency quickly approached, and the Chiefs front office decided to keep several players. According to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest, Cole Christiansen has received his qualifying tender from the team.

The 26-year-old linebacker has spent the past two seasons with the Chiefs after starting his career in 2020 with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Christiansen spent most of his time on special teams under coordinator Dave Toub. He played in five regular-season games and had some time on the field during the postseason. He took advantage of the extra playing time in the Week 18 season finale against the Chargers, earning him a spot on the postseason roster and his second consecutive Super Bowl title with the Chiefs.

The former Army standout was on both the practice squad and team roster throughout his two years in Kansas City. With training camps approaching soon, he will have a chance to improve his stock ahead of the 2024 season.

Chiefs extend contract of special teams coordinator Dave Toub

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub was the latest assistant coach to earn a contract extension after the #Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII victory.

After extending defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s contract earlier this week, the Kansas City Chiefs locked in yet another assistant coach to a long-term deal on Friday.

Longtime special teams coordinator Dave Toub was the latest coach to earn a new contract, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Toub’s new contract will keep him in Kansas City for the next three years and will ensure that the Chiefs maintain continuity on their coaching staff as they endeavor to win their third consecutive Super Bowl next season.

The veteran coordinator has been a fixture on Kansas City’s sideline since Andy Reid’s tenure with the Chiefs started in 2013. Before his time in the NFL, Toub coached the Missouri Tigers for more than a decade between 1989 and 2000.

His continued presence will be a valuable asset for Kansas City in the coming years as the Chiefs look to build their budding dynasty for the long term.

Chiefs Dave Toub comments on latest news regarding NFL kickoff returns

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub comments on the latest news regarding kickoff returns in the NFL.

The NFL continues to evolve annually with changes to help enhance the product and keep players safe. Changes to the kickoff process have limited serious injuries as teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, could be in for more changes after December’s league meetings.

“I think kickoff stats, they speak for themselves,” NFL executive V.P. of officiating Troy Vincent said. “It’s a dead, ceremonial play today.”

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub addressed the potential new change to the kickoff process during Wednesday’s press conference.

“I don’t think they’ll ever gonna take it away,” Toub explained. “I’m among those guys on that committee, and I know Troy (Vincent) doesn’t want to take kickoff away. I know that’s not his goal. He understands that it’s becoming a play that people fair catch, and it’s not an important play.

“But, the NFL rule would put coaching back [into play] because now you got to every check, you got to cover and tackle. So that’s definitely something that we’re going to look at. It could possibly come down to that maybe next year or the year after. We’re definitely gonna look at it.”

The system used in the XFL has grown in popularity and continues to be suggested as the new standard in the NFL.

Chiefs Dave Toub praises the progression of rookie DB Chamarri Conner

#Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub praised the progression of rookie defensive back Chamarri Conner.

The Kansas City Chiefs have seen their depth tested on both sides of the ball this season and are constantly developing their rookie class. The impact each young player can make when an opportunity presents itself due to injuries is essential to the franchise’s long-term success.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub is consistently working with the younger developing players in his group. He looks more extensively at their abilities while they work towards fitting into their respective unit’s game plan. During Thursday’s pre-practice press conference, Toub expressed his excitement at the growth of rookie defensive back Chamarri Conner.

“He keeps getting better and better,” Toub explained. “I mean, that’s two games in a row. Now. He made beautiful tackles on punts and open-field tackles. So it tells you a lot about his football ability; he’s gonna be a great one down the road. I’m enjoying the fact that I got him right now.

“I know, eventually, he’s going to, you know, end up being in-depth as, you know, getting more and more reps on defense. He’s already getting a lot now, but he’s gonna get more and more as we go forward. He’s some he’s a player that should be excited about.”

Conner was a fourth-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft and has played primarily on special teams. The recent injuries on defense could eventually see him making the jump on more plays in Steve Spagnuolo’s system.

Chiefs coordinator Dave Toub prefers WR Richie James as primary punt returner

#Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub wants wide receiver Richie James to be Kansas City’s primary punt returner.

The Kansas City Chiefs on special teams have seen a variety of options on punt returns this season. The role has been passed to several players as the unit continues to evaluate following Monday night’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub has juggled multiple players, including an unexpected change in Week 11 due to Mecole Hardman’s injury. Kadarius Toney stepped into the role during the game, providing positive yardage, but it doesn’t appear clear it will remain his role. Toub addressed the change and his suggestion for the role in his Zoom press conference with reporters on Tuesday.

“We haven’t even gotten a report yet from our trainers; it’s so early,” Toub explained. “So we have to see how Mecole (Hardman) is. We have to see Kadarius (Toney). He runs so hard and tough that he kept getting banged up in there, too, like his hand got hurt and his foot, you know, all different things.

“We just have to wait, see, we’ll get the doctor’s report. We’ll move forward from there. But yeah, I mean, he gave us a little bit of a spark. He runs hard. You know, he’s a good catcher. He’s fearless back there. So, we’ll just have to evaluate as we go forward.”

A player expected to play that role when he signed in the offseason is Richie James, who has been dealing with injuries and was activated off of injured reserve before Week 11. He wasn’t active for the game but could play a significant factor for Toub and his unit once he’s active for a game.

“He would have to be; we would like him to be the punt returner if he’s going to be active. If he’s going to help us at all on special teams, that’s where he would have to help us,” said Toub. “Well, for me, I mean, offense, they could use him a lot of different ways. Obviously, he’s a wide receiver, but if he’s going to help me, I would use him as a punt returner. He’s not really a cover guy or gun or anything like that.”

James’ knee injury has only allowed him to play two games this season, tallying only 24 yards on six returns.

Chiefs Dave Toub comments on S Justin Reid’s potential future as an NFL kicker

#Chiefs Dave Toub comments on S Justin Reid’s potential future as an NFL kicker

The emergency kicker role for the Kansas City Chiefs was confirmed last season as starting safety Justin Reid filled in adequately. Reid converted an extra point attempt during Week 1 of the 2022 season following Harrison Butker’s ankle injury.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub hasn’t shied away from plugging in different players when needed in special teams roles. He mentioned last week the prospect of having Patrick Mahomes as the emergency punter and is behind Reid as the backup in-game placekicker. During his weekly press conference, Toub commented on Reid’s long-term future as a professional kicker while filling in for an ill Butker at practice on Thursday.

“If we knew that (Butker) was going to be out, we want another kicker,” said Toub. “I’d feel comfortable that Justin can come in, but we want a real kicker. He’s good enough to get us through a game. He can make an extra point and has good range (on field goals).”

Toub was immediately asked if Reid had a future as an NFL kicker later in his football career.

“If he wanted to be a kicker at the NFL level, I don’t think he could do it,” Toub said with a smile. “I love him. I love him, but he will understand why I’m saying that. He’s a good safety.”

Reid will have to settle for being one of the top players in the Chiefs’ secondary. Getting his thoughts on Toub’s assessment would be interesting.

Dave Toub: QB Patrick Mahomes is the Chiefs’ emergency punter

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub says quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the #Chiefs’ emergency punter.

The Kansas City Chiefs avoided possible disaster before their Week 6 victory over the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football. All-Pro punter Tommy Townsend was dealing with a sore knee ahead of the game but was well enough to get through the game.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub has never shied away from utilizing any player on the roster for a role. He has gone to place-kicking enthusiast Justin Reid as an emergency backup for Harrison Butker. Toub revealed to reporters on Thursday his intentions to utilize Patrick Mahomes as the team’s backup punter if necessary in games.

“Yeah, we had a plan. We had a plan, and believe it or not, ’15’ (Mahomes) Is our backup punter,” Toub explained. “He could do it. I mean, he shows me all the time. You know he’s out there boom on Saturdays hitting punts. He can do it all, that guy. It’s unbelievable.”

Mahomes has often pushed for doing more outside of the quarterback position, whether in jest or for the team’s betterment.

“If we wanted him to, he could probably,” said Toub, reiterating the real possibility of Mahomes the punter being an emergency option.

Dave Toub says WR Mecole Hardman is the fastest Chief

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub says wide receiver Mecole Hardman is the fastest player on the team.

The Kansas City Chiefs completed a trade for wide receiver Mecole Hardman, reuniting him with the franchise after a brief departure. The speedy receiver was a favorite in head coach Andy Reid’s system and a reliable star on special teams.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub was delighted to discuss Hardman’s return and possible utilization moving forward during his pre-practice press conference on Thursday.

“He could; I mean, if Andy (Reid) has him up, and if he’s up, he’s going to be a guy that I’ll play on some special teams for sure,” said Toub. “But obviously, he just got here and he’s got to get established again. And Andy will make that decision, probably pretty soon.”

Hardman was named to the 2019 Pro Bowl for his exceptional work as a returner on special teams, so the role is something Toub is very comfortable potentially handing over to him.

“He’s a dynamic player,” Toub explained. “He’s the fastest player. He’ll be the fastest player on our team now, as soon as he got here. So it’s that breakaway speed ability. We’ve seen the last time we had a touchdown was Mecole in the return game. So we welcome him back, and he’s got the right attitude right now. And he’s ready for a fresh start.”

Hardman’s speed is undeniable, but only time will tell if he will be used in the offense more than special teams in the immediate future.

Chiefs Dave Toub reveals the complexity of returning punts

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub reveals the complexity of returning punts. | from: @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into Week 3 of the season with some parts of their system to fix. A facet of the team that could use improvement is special teams in the return game.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub has sorted multiple options over the last two years at punt returner. The Chiefs’ current punt returner, Richie James, notably fumbled away an opportunity in the first half of last Sunday’s victory in Jacksonville. Toub addressed the mishap during his Thursday press conference with reporters.

“I think he thought he was, you know, and I’m speaking for him, but I think he thought he was in a perfect position to catch it,” Toub explained. “I mean, could you watch the tape and you can really, you know, the TV copy, you can see his eyes like he was looking at the ball. It wasn’t like he was looking at the coverage or anything.

“He thought he was looking at the ball. And then also it kind of moved late on him and obviously, you know, didn’t work out like we want it to but that, you know, he was a he’s a good catcher, you know, and that was an oddball. That was a thing that, you know, I don’t think it’s going to be a problem going forward. And we just need him to get better.”

James suffered an injury in Jacksonville and hasn’t practiced, creating doubt about his availability against the Bears. Toub explained the difficulties of becoming a good punt returner and hinted at what he is looking for in a player at the position.

“It’s way different,” Toub continued. “It’s way different catching a real punt and catching a punt for jugs totally different, like the jugs (machine) will give you the perfect turnover every time upon that you’re gonna get the crazy pump, you know, the crazy turn rotation of the football and the wind affects it differently.

“So it’s harder to catch a real punt. So that’s why we try every time we have a chance to catch Tommy’s (Townsend) punt. So we want to do that as much as we can. But you can’t have Tommy; he can’t; he’s not a human juggs machine. So you can only get so many.”