News Report: Kansas City Chiefs Coach Expresses New Reason To Bench Harrison Butker, Names 2 Replacements

October 23, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Harrison Butker (7) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports.

Kansas City Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub explained why the team might have to keep kicker Harrison Butker on the bench more than they did in the 2023 season. One former essential duty of Butker’s isn’t as necessary with the league’s new rules.

Harrison Butker has been in the news recently

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Butker’s job has come under fire for other reasons in recent weeks. As previously discussed by Robin Adams with GH, fans have called for Butker to be cut after he made controversial comments against the LGBTQ+ community and women at a commencement speech:

During a commencement speech to the graduating class at Benedictine College, a private Catholic school, Butker discussed his faith and expressed views that many deemed insulting to women, the LGBTQ+ community, and Jews.

Concerning women, Butker said:

“For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives. I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you.

“Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.

“…it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”

The Kansas City Chiefs might keep Butker on the bench more in 2024

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Harrison Butker (7) kicks a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Andy Reid and other members of the Chiefs have stood by Butker, but an unrelated issue threatens his role in Kansas City.

Per a video posted by the Chiefs, Toub said Butker could be benched during the majority of the Chiefs’ kickoffs this season. Because of the NFL’s new kickoff rules, Toub wants to put another player on the field to make a tackle. He doesn’t want Butker making too many tackles during the season.

“If you watched the XFL, I watched every play,” Toub said. “I bet kickers were involved at least 25 percent to 40 percent of the tackles, either trying to make a guy bounce back or making the tackle or missing the tackle. We don’t want Butker in that situation.”

The Chiefs are exploring using safety Justin Reid or Louis Rees-Zammit, a former rugby player the team signed this offseason, instead of Butker.

Butker will have a limited role on kickoffs

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Harrison Butker (7) celebrates a field goal with tight end Noah Gray (83) against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

“[Butker will] be a guy that we’ll use in certain situations,” Toubb said. “He’s got a lot of ability to move the ball, whereas the other guys may not be as apt to do that. He can still kick a touchback if we need it.”

Toub said the Chiefs won’t attempt to kick as many touchbacks this season because the ball now goes to the 30-yard line instead of the 25-yard line. Toub figures the extra five yards will give opposing offenses a better chance to score by three percent.

One has to wonder if Butker’s limited role could threaten his future contract negotiations. Without kickoff duties, the kicker position will be devalued.