Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is among several NFL coaches advocating for alterations to kickoff rules this offseason. In 2023, only 22 percent of kickoffs were returned across the league, a significant drop from the previous season’s 38 percent. Consequently, Reid supports the proposed rule change, which mirrors the XFL’s kickoff regulation.
“It’s intriguing and promising if it gets approved,” Reid remarked. “I’m in favor of it.” The suggested adjustments, outlined by ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, promise to transform NFL kickoffs for the 2024 season and beyond.
Under the proposed changes, kickers would still kick off from the 35-yard line. However, the kickoff coverage team would shift to the opposing 40-yard line instead of aligning with the kicker. Meanwhile, the receiving team would position themselves five yards from the kickoff coverage team, stationed at their 35-yard-line. Neither team would be permitted to move until the ball is touched or reaches the “target zone” at the 20-yard line.
Additionally, discussions about modifications to the onside kick are slated for this year’s league meetings, promising further developments in the NFL’s kickoff dynamics.
