The message from Kansas City Chiefs assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Dave Toub on Wednesday was clear — improvement is coming, and it’s only a matter of time.
Speaking to reporters on October 30, Toub addressed his unit’s performance through the first half of the season, acknowledging areas of inconsistency but expressing full confidence in his group’s trajectory.
“We’re going to keep getting better as we go,” Toub said. “We’ve had some ups and downs, but the effort, the attitude — it’s all there. The execution will catch up.”
Toub, one of the most respected special teams minds in the NFL, has guided Kansas City’s unit through transitions this year, including personnel adjustments and younger players stepping into key roles. Despite early challenges, the Chiefs’ special teams have delivered crucial plays — including field position wins and standout moments from kicker Harrison Butker and return man Mecole Hardman.
When asked about Butker’s flawless season so far, Toub didn’t hold back his praise.
“He’s locked in,” Toub said. “Every kick he’s taken this year, you can just tell he’s in rhythm. That’s what elite kickers do — they make it look automatic.”
Toub also spoke highly of punter Tommy Townsend, noting the improvement in hang time and placement that’s helped the Chiefs’ defense consistently start drives with an advantage.
“Tommy’s done a great job flipping the field,” Toub said. “That’s huge for us — that hidden yardage adds up.”
The veteran coach, now in his 11th season with Kansas City, emphasized that the group’s chemistry continues to grow. With several new faces on special teams coverage units, communication and timing have been key focal points in recent weeks.
“We’ve got young guys who are learning fast,” Toub said. “They’re hungry, they listen, and they play hard. That’s what you want.”
As the Chiefs gear up for the second half of the season, Toub’s message reflects the confidence of a staff that knows how to peak at the right time.
“We’ve been in these situations before,” Toub concluded. “It’s all about growth. We’ll keep improving — and when it counts, we’ll be ready.”
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