John “Bones” Fassel, the special teams coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, is actively advocating for a significant modification to the kickoff regulations in professional football.
The kickoff, which signals the beginning of each football game and is steeped in tradition, remains a contentious area.
Based on NFL records, just 22 percent of kickoffs were subject to returns in the year 2023. It is anticipated that this percentage may decline even further going forward.
Thus, there are talks within the league about possibly revamping kickoff regulations and adopting those from XFL – as a result doing so should increase chances for receiving opportunities while also cutting down instances of injuries linked with returning kicks.
One of the league’s most esteemed coaches in his position, Dallas Cowboys’ special teams coordinator John “Bones” Fassel is spearheading the initiative for a rule modification.
After witnessing Super Bowl LVIII between San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, he sensed that it marked an end to conventional kickoffs.
Fassel informed the Dallas Morning News that all 13 kickoffs resulted in touchbacks, leading him to believe that something had to change.
This was particularly significant because not only were there no returns on any of the kicks, but 12 out of 13 went beyond the end zone even if a returner had been positioned nine yards deep. Ultimately, Fassel considered this performance as evidence that changes needed to be made immediately.
Fassel advocated for a revamp of the kickoff process after two weeks. He conferred with the NFL’scompetition committee, along with two other special teams coordinators on Sunday, and additionally met up with officiating leadership Friday morning. Fassel is 50 years old.
During the competition committee meeting, Fassel delivered a demonstration on how XFL regulations could be adapted for NFL use.
Commissioner Roger Goodell praised Fassell’s presentation as “excellent,” while John Mara, co-owner of the New York Giants team, was notably impressed.
Mara shared with the Dallas Morning News that he clearly believes the special teams coach is skilled. Mara regards him highly and enjoyed hearing his presentation.
Additionally, Mara anticipates significant contributions from this coach on a proposal for the Committee, which may be voted upon during an owners meeting in March.
