First, the NFL may be looking at changing the kickoff placement or touchback yard placement. Currently, the ball is kicked off from the 35-yard line; where it has been placed since 2011. If a kickoff goes into the endzone for a touchback, the ball is placed on the 30-yard line–unless the ball first hits the landing zone; which it is then placed at the 20.
According to McKay, the league will be looking at moving the kickoff point back to the 30-yard line while also bringing the touchback up to the 35-yard line. The idea of this is to encourage more returns.
Finally, McKay also indicated the league is reviewing making changes to the onside kickoff rules. Currently, the onside kick can only be performed in the fourth-quarter when the team kickoff is trailing. Additionally, the kicking team must stay within a yard of the kick point.
McKay’s indications appear to suggest that special teams coordinators are looking at changing formation rules to increase the chances of an onside recovery. McKay did also suggest teams will look at the fourth-down live scrimmage scenario instead of a live kick–though he emphasized it takes 24 votes to make changes.
