NFL tweaks rules to allow coach's designee to initiate replay challenges
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The NFL will allow each of its 32 head coaches to designate a staff member to initiate replay challenges starting this season, a change from the previous rule where only head coaches could throw the red flag.
- Teams must notify officials of the designated challenge initiator before the start of each game.
- This adjustment to the challenge system was not announced at the NFL's annual meeting and did not require ownership votes.
- The updated rule states that either the head coach or their pregame challenge designee can initiate a challenge by throwing the red flag before the next legal snap or kick.
- In 2025, coaches challenged 151 plays, marking the highest number of challenges since 2019.
