Big 12 Coaches React to Kickoff Rule Change

When the NCAA announced its rule changes less than a week ago, it meant that kickoffs would be moved back five yards to the 30-yard line. That has given college coaches and programs little time to adjust. More recently Big 12 coaches were able to give some of their thoughts about the rule change and how it might impact the kicking game.

Kansas State anticipated the change, which gave their special teams time to adjust during the spring:

"We thought that was one (rule change) that might be made, so we've been practicing with the ball on the 30 all this spring," Kansas State coach Ron Prince said Monday during a Big 12 football coaches teleconference with the media to discuss spring practices.

"Looking at the NFL, it's going to be so hard to get touchbacks now. The kick is going to be driven so low in an effort to get it to the end zone, coverage teams won't really have a chance to go down and set a pattern."

The new rule could turn out to be a blessing for the Wildcats, as they led the nation in kickoff returns in 2006.

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops worries about the health of his players:

""I think it's great," Stoops said. "But you worry about more opportunity for injury, because those are high-impact plays. Outside of that, we know it'll create more excitement."

Oklahoma State associate head coach Joe DeForest, who is in charge of the Cowboys' special teams, thinks it could change the make-up of special teams units:

"I think you're going to see more starters on the those units, covering kicks. And as far as the return game goes, it's exciting, because you know it'll open the game up. The glass is half empty and half full. It's a little scary if you have to coach both units."

Texas' coach Mack Brown was a bit more graphic in his reaction:

"If you ask our defensive coaches (about it), they throw up," Brown said. "If you ask our offensive coaches, they're pumped."

I think fans should be pumped about the changes too. Increasing the number of kickoff returns should lead to a higher number of game-changing plays, and it's hard not to get behind that.