For different reasons, Andy Reid and John Harbaugh detest the contentious new NFL rule.

The NFL has been criticized for changing the fair catch regulations, and Andy Reid and John Harbaugh have both voiced opposition to the move for very different reasons.

Andy Reid and John Harbaugh have expressed opposition to the new fair catch rule.

Rob Carr is shown (Getty Images)

Though for very different reasons, current and former players and coaches have criticized the NFL’s new fair catch policy for kickoffs, including Andy Reid and John Harbaugh.

At this week’s NFL spring meetings in Minneapolis, the competition committee passed a new rule that will be trialed for one season. It allows kick returners to appeal for a fair catch, and the ball will be placed at the 25-yard line regardless of where they caught it. The ball would have been deposited at the location where it was claimed after a fair catch.

The goal of the regulation change is to improve player safety, but the league has not received well with the change.It was reported that special teams coaches were united in their criticism, believing the game was losing a strategic element.

Andy Reid, the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, is not a fan, even after his team won the Super Bowl in February.

My concern is, ‘Where does it end?’ Correct?” Reid spoke with Arrowhead Pride. “You begin removing parts, and let’s see where this leads. However, you don’t want to remove too many pieces. You’re going to play football with flags.

Although Harbaugh did not provide a specific reason for his belief that the shift could be more harmful, Reid is not pleased with the game’s declining toughness year after year.

At his press conference, he stated, “We thought there were better ideas,” as the Ravens proceeded with their scheduled team activities (OTAs). We had an opportunity to discuss the fair catch rule with all of the special teams coaches.

“We spoke and discussed that for a long time. We didn’t support it. We didn’t vote for it. We believe that having it in there will result in more high-speed head damage than not having it. That’s how we feel about it. However, we’ll see. They wish to investigate it and give it a try.