Chiefs' Special Teams Struggle in 2025 Amid Changing NFL Landscape

Coordinator Dave Toub looks to bounce back after a down year, with big-picture decisions ahead for Kansas City.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:31am

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The Kansas City Chiefs' special teams unit took a step back in 2025, ranking 20th in the NFL in expected points added. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub acknowledged the struggles, citing a lack of game-changing plays that had been a hallmark of the team's special teams in recent years. While the Chiefs excelled in kickoff coverage and avoided turnovers, issues in the return game and inconsistent kicking held the unit back. As the NFL continues to evolve kickoff rules, Toub and the Chiefs face tough decisions about their risk tolerance and roster construction to get the special teams back to an elite level.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' special teams have been a key part of their success in recent years, providing game-changing plays that have helped propel the team. The 2025 struggles on special teams were a contributing factor to the team's disappointing 6-11 record, raising questions about how the unit can regain its edge and whether roster changes are needed to inject more dynamism.

The details

The Chiefs' special teams struggled in several areas in 2025. Kicker Harrison Butker tied for the NFL lead with nine combined missed field goals and extra points, while punter Matt Araiza provided roughly average production. In the return game, the Chiefs prioritized reliability over explosiveness, sticking with Nikko Remigio as the primary returner over the upside of players like seventh-round pick Brashard Smith. As a result, the Chiefs ranked 23rd in kickoff return EPA and 25th in punt return EPA, lacking the big plays that had been a hallmark of the unit in recent seasons.

  • In early December, special teams coordinator Dave Toub acknowledged the unit's struggles in 2025.
  • Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 17, Chiefs GM Brett Veach cited the need for more competition at returner.
  • Rookie Brashard Smith showed promise on punt returns late in the 2025 season, including a 44-yard return against the Broncos on Christmas.

The players

Dave Toub

The Chiefs' special teams coordinator who has raised the team's standards since joining the club in 2013.

Harrison Butker

The Chiefs' kicker who tied for the NFL lead with nine combined missed field goals and extra points in 2025.

Matt Araiza

The Chiefs' punter who provided roughly average NFL production in 2025.

Brashard Smith

A seventh-round pick by the Chiefs in 2025 who showed promise on punt returns late in the season.

Nikko Remigio

The Chiefs' primary punt and kickoff returner in 2025, prioritizing reliability over explosiveness.

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What they’re saying

“We're not as good. We're not making as many plays as we did last year at critical times on special teams. That's frustrating.”

— Dave Toub, Chiefs Special Teams Coordinator (Kansas City Star)

“Remigio did a great job, but again, we're always pushing the envelope to get 1 percent better. If we can add another dynamic element to both return phases, that would be something that makes sense.”

— Brett Veach, Chiefs General Manager (Kansas City Star)

“It was really nice to see a young player that really hasn't done it in an NFL game — (those were the) first reps that he got. Pretty good.”

— Dave Toub, Chiefs Special Teams Coordinator (Kansas City Star)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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