Bingo this is why 99.999999999% defer. They want to be first to get ball after half time adjustments.
Deferral wasn’t always an option. I’m old enough to remember the old days of a simple kick/receive option to start the game. Then the other team chose to start the second half.
That is what the deferral means. It means that you choose to kick or receive at the initial kickoff or you defer to make the choice in the second half. I don't ever remember it being otherwise, but my memory isn't what it used to be. And, yes, coaches have chosen to kick off in the second half.
I think I wasn't clear. In the old days, if you won the toss, you had two choices: kick or receive. Today, you have three: kick, receive, or defer your choice to the second half.
It wasn't an option in the NFL until 2008.
I remember that, too, and it wasn't a mistake. The logic was that we had a good D, it was expected to be a low-scoring game, and we wanted to put out best unit on the field first. Especially if it was a highly emotional game, with maybe a young KO returner and you were a bit concerned about cleanly fielding the ball.
Good question. If I were Saban, I would still defer. If things do not go as well as you anticipate, I would want the ball first after halftime adjustments
If I was HC I might consider it but has Saban ever taken the ball first when winning the toss since the deferral option was started?
