Bears Coordinator Criticized Eagles Kickoff Tactic
Chicago coach Richard Hightower challenged Philadelphia's use of a holder on recent kickoffs.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Should the NFL mandate stricter rules to prevent teams from using kickoff holders for tactical advantages?
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower has criticized the Philadelphia Eagles for using a holder to angle the ball on kickoffs. The tactic, employed during the previous week, has sparked discussions among NFL coaches regarding rule intent.
Why it matters
The practice allows kickers to manipulate ball trajectory, potentially making it harder for returners to field the ball. Coaches argue this method violates the original intent of the dynamic kickoff rule, which was designed for specific weather conditions.
NFL regulations currently permit the use of a 12th player to act as a holder during kickoff sequences. This allows the holder to manipulate the ball angle, a deviation from the practice of using a standard kicking tee banned by the league in 2022.
The players
Richard Hightower
He is the special teams coordinator for the Chicago Bears who helped shape the league's current dynamic kickoff rules.
Philadelphia Eagles
This NFL franchise drew criticism from opposing coaching staff for their specific personnel deployment during kickoff plays.
NFL
The professional football organization is the governing body responsible for setting and clarifying rules for game play.
The details
The Philadelphia Eagles utilized a holder on kickoffs to adjust the ball angle and disrupt return specialists. Richard Hightower, who participated in the adoption of the current dynamic kickoff rule, contends that the presence of a holder was meant strictly for windy environments.
Timeline
The NFL banned placing the ball on top of a tee in 2022.
The Eagles used a holder on kickoffs during the week of September 15, 2026.
The Bears face the Eagles on Monday night, September 28, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The controversy surrounding kickoff mechanics threatens to shift the competitive balance in the NFC by prompting potential mid-season rule interventions. Ongoing disputes between coaching staffs may force the league to clarify special teams procedures before the postseason playoff picture solidifies.
Fans watching the upcoming game on September 28 should monitor whether officials or the league office issue immediate directives regarding kickoff formations. The outcome of these coaching discussions could impact field position outcomes and total scoring potential for future games.
The takeaway
Technical debates over special teams formations highlight the constant tension between coaching innovation and league-wide standardization. Fans and analysts should track how these rule clarifications affect game speed and return success rates throughout the remainder of the season.
Further reading
For more information on league mandates, visit the Football section.
Live Poll
Should the NFL mandate stricter rules to prevent teams from using kickoff holders for tactical advantages?
