FEATURE STORIES

SPECIAL TEAMS NOW UNDER HOFFMAN'S CONTROL

By Steve Linzmeier
University Communications

The Chiefs begin 2009 with a brand-new special teams coordinator. Steve Hoffman will be the new coordinator under new Head Coach Todd Haley. After 20 seasons in the NFL this is his first as a coordinator.

Hoffman owns three Super Bowl rings as an assistant with the Dallas Cowboys.  He last worked as the assistant special teams coordinator for the Miami Dolphins in 2007 and 2008.  Hoffman was also the assistant special teams coach for the Atlanta Falcons in 2006.

Hoffman, widely regarded as a kicking specialist, will get the chance to work with two young kickers, trying to mold one to become the team’s long-term starter.  Connor Barth played in 10 games last year for the Chiefs knocking down 10 of 12 field goals and all 24 extra points. The Chiefs only made 16 field goals as a team last year, putting them last in the NFL.

The draft’s Mr. Irrelevant will also have a shot to be the team’s kicker. Ryan Succop, from South Carolina, made 20 of 30 field goals last year giving him the Southeastern Conference  lead for makes and attempts.  He converted 71 percent of his career field goals at South Carolina.

Fifth-year veteran Dustin Colquitt will resume his job as the team’s punter.  Colquitt was selected with the 99th pick in the 2005 draft and has been the team’s starting punter ever since. His career net average is 38.9 yards a punt and over 33 percent of his punts have been downed inside the 20.  The Chiefs were 12th last year in punting average.