Dan Campbell is upset that the NFL implemented the controversial kickoff rule.
The head coach of the Lions expressed his displeasure with the NFL’s new fair-catch kickoff rule in no uncertain terms.
The NFL changed its kickoff regulations this week, allowing clubs to declare a fair catch even if the ball is caught before the end zone.
The ball will then be turned over to the teams on their own 25-yard line or, if it is more upfield, wherever the fair catch is made.
The goal of the rule change is to improve player safety by essentially reducing the number of returns, which the NFL contends is the riskiest football play.
According to a number of studies, coaches overwhelmingly opposed this proposed rule. As Tom Pelissero of NFL Network noted, special teams coaches were uniformly opposed to the rule change.
In any case, owners forced the plan through this week, which angered Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell.
Campbell became irate on Thursday when questioned about the new rule change, which is unusual for the vivacious coach.
I’m really irritated. It’s really annoying, Campbell remarked. Look, I’m not the one who sets the rules. After that, we shall abide by the new regulation.
We’ll figure out how to modify and adapt while achieving our goals. That is what needs to be done. However, I detest how we keep detracting from the game.
It appears that Campbell is worried about how this rule change may undermine the fundamental elements of football.
He cautioned that in a few years we could not even recognize the game if the NFL kept going in this direction.
The fact that we just keep bleeding this league dry is what truly disturbs me, Campbell remarked. It won’t replenish at some point if we’re not attentive.
Remarkably, special teams coordinator Dave Fipp played down the rule change, stating he doesn’t think it will have a significant impact on kickoff.
I’m different from some of these folks because, to be honest, I don’t think it will impact the game all that much, Fipp remarked.
The shorter the kick or the farther out it is for the return team—such as the 10-yard line—is, I believe, what the statistics indicate.
I believe the statistics indicate that you should return the ball if it is kicked to the 10. Thus, I believe there will be a lot more returns.
Fipp’s perspective on the league’s future was radically different from Campbell’s. The idea that the NFL is attempting to eliminate special teams was denied by him.
Fipp remarked, I honestly don’t believe that. I believe they are attempting to make the game safer, not to do that.
Fipp even went so far as to express his belief that the league is moving in the right direction.
I think the league has been amazing about safety over the last couple of years, Fipp remarked. They did a fantastic job of making the gamers’ experience in the game safer. It’s a better game than it was, in my opinion.
Although it’s undoubtedly different, I think they’ve done an excellent job overall, and I have faith in their abilities.
The league will evaluate the rule adjustment after a year to see whether it was successful or whether additional action is required.
