NFL coaches are divided over whether to change overtime rules

Those rules are unfair.

LTC Eugene Chu
"PALM BEACH, Fla. – Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh wants no part of a new overtime rule. Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid is undecided. And Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott made it clear where he stands.

“I’d like to see a change,” McDermott said Monday at the NFL’s annual meetings.

NFL owners are set to review proposals that request both teams to possess the ball during the extra period. The debate comes after a classic playoff game between the Chiefs and the Bills that ended in overtime after Kansas City scored on the first possession.

The current regulation, which is known as Rule 16, allows each team to possess the ball in extra play unless the club that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown. If the opening drive results in a field goal, the opposing team gets the opportunity to match the score or win with a touchdown. If there’s a turnover, the first team to score wins.

Proposals from the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles suggest that both teams should possess the ball in overtime, regardless of whether a touchdown is scored on the first possession. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans proposed the team that scores a touchdown on the opening drive would also need a two-point conversion to win.

The rule has been in place for the playoffs for 12 years. In 2012, the league expanded the format to the regular season. To change the rule again, 24 of 32 NFL owners need to approve amending Rule 16.

“I like to stay out of overtime as much as possible,” joked Harbaugh, the Ravens coach.

But then he got serious.

“I’m not for them,” Harbaugh added. “I don’t think adding plays at the end of the game is the answer. I don’t think extending games is the answer.”...

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