Chiefs Coach Claps Back at Donald Trump’s Take on Kickoff Rule: “He Has No Idea What’s Going On”

Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub believes President Donald Trump doesn't have a good grasp on the new NFL kickoff rules.

Chiefs Coach Claps Back at Donald Trump’s Take on Kickoff Rule: “He Has No Idea What’s Going On”

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker and Donald Trump (Image via IMAGO)

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Patrick Mahomes is in uncharted territory. For the first time since becoming the starting quarterback in 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs are 5-5 after ten games (11 weeks). This makes the week 12 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts a crucial fixture. One area to keep an eye on for the showdown at Arrowhead Stadium would be the kickoff returns after Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub took a fresh dig at Donald Trump.

The President of the United States of America is not a fan of the new NFL kickoff rules. According to the new kickoff rule implemented in the 2024 season (modified in 2025) enforces players to remain still while the kicking team kicks from the 35-yard line (previously it was 30 yards).

Trump’s grievance reached the ears of Dave Toub. For the uninitiated, Toub is one of the longest-serving coaches on the Chiefs’ setup. He began as the special teams coordinator in 2013 before accepting the additional role of Assistant head coach.

Toub clearly has been around the block long enough to be aware of the X’s and O’s of kicking. Under his tutelage, Harrison Butker established himself as one of the best kickers in NFL history.

Earlier this week, Toub took a swipe at Trump for his views on the new kickoff rule.

He doesn’t even know what he’s looking at… He has no idea what’s going on with the kickoff rule. Take that for what it’s worth. And I hope he hears it.

Dave Toub told the reporters from the Chiefs’ facility

Speaking with Pat McAfee on a Veterans Day special, Trump claimed that the new kickoff rule is “demeaning” for the game, and it doesn’t protect the players as it was meant to do.

It’s so terrible. I think it’s so demeaning, and I think it hurts the game. It hurts the pageantry.

Trump said

Interestingly, Butker is a well-known supporter of Trump. The 3x Super Bowl champion endorsed Trump before the 2024 presidential election.

I’m supporting the president who’s going to be the most pro-life president, and I think Donald Trump is the most pro-life president. That’s a topic that is the most crucial topic for me. I want us to be fighting for the most vulnerable, fighting for the unborn, and that’s what we should prioritize.

Harrison Butker said (H/T: FOX Sports)

Butker has been a hit-and-miss this year, converting 16 field goals from 19 attempts (an 84.2% success rate).

The Chiefs could use the kickoff rule to their advantage

Despite boasting an inferior record, the Chiefs are the favorites to defeat the 8-2 Colts. Mahomes hasn’t been bad, but inconsistent. Moreover, he is not getting much help from the offense or the defense. The defense that saved the team countless times in 2024 is now dropping games by two-score margins.

Chiefs Coach Claps Back at Donald Trump’s Take on Kickoff Rule: "He Has No Idea What’s Going On"
Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

One way the Chiefs could take advantage against the Colts is through their kick and punt returns. Toub holds return specialist Nikko Remigio in the highest regard.

I call him the adult in the room. I like having him back there, especially on kickoff returns, because the kind of crazy balls that we’re getting, and the way you have to read the kickers and the kickoff coverage.

Toub said about Remigio (H/T: AtoZ Sports)

Remigio’s touchdown count is currently zero, but it could change on Sunday. If Remigio fails, then rookie Brashard Smith could be the man for the job. The SMU graduate has shared return duties with the Remigio.

Mahomes needs help, especially against the Colts. The All-Pro signal caller has struggled against the AFC South franchise in the past, racking up 69 completions from 115 pass attempts for 861 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He is 1-2 in three meetings.

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