As the 2022 NFL season approaches, teams are diligently working through the new kickoff rules that were adopted by the league in late March. Coaches are still grappling with the changes and are eager to see how these modifications will impact the game.

According to Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, the preseason games will be instrumental in fully understanding the intricacies of the new kickoff rules. He believes that it will take time for teams to adjust and find their rhythm. Similarly, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh anticipates chaos in the first few weeks of the regular season as teams experiment with different approaches to the new kickoff plays.

Special teams coaches across the league are also finding the process exciting. Jay Harbaugh, special teams coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, expressed his enthusiasm for the new rules. He emphasized the joy in exploring different ideas and discovering what strategies are effective. Harbaugh's experience with the old kickoff and kick return rules enables him to test what still holds true under the updated regulations.

However, implementing innovative strategies comes with risks. Seahawks coordinator Jay Harbaugh believes that having someone other than the placekicker do kickoffs could be advantageous, providing an additional player who can serve as a tackler. Nevertheless, he cautions that it requires a high level of skill and precision to consistently execute accurate kickoffs. Los Angeles Rams special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of not putting kickers in excessive tackling situations.

In Kansas City, the Chiefs are fortunate to have safety Justin Reid, who possesses soccer experience, as a potential replacement for placekicker Harrison Butker. Reid's expertise in tackling could make him an ideal candidate for kickoffs. However, Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub is also considering former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit as a replacement for Butker. Rees-Zammit's versatility in both field goals and kickoffs, as well as his dedication to the returner position, has impressed Toub.

The new kickoff rules have prompted speculation on potential changes in the types of players used as kickoff returners. Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry predicts that blocking schemes will be different, and the body types of kickoff coverage players may also undergo significant changes. With the reduction of speed and space under the new rules, bigger body types and players skilled in getting off blocks may become more prevalent.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the impact of the new kickoff rules, coaches are optimistic about their teams' abilities to adapt and excel. Coaches, like Toub, believe that the team that can best navigate the changes will have a competitive advantage. With the preseason fast approaching, coaches and players are eagerly preparing to tackle the mysteries of the revamped kickoff rules, hoping to find success in the ever-evolving game of football.