In the NFL, a coach’s challenge can change the outcome of a game by overturning an on-field ruling. However, there is a risk involved: depending on the result, a team can lose a timeout. Here is a clear breakdown of how a coach’s challenge works, when timeouts are lost, and the major exceptions every fan should understand.
What Is a Coach’s Challenge in the NFL?
A coach’s challenge allows a head coach to request a video review of an official’s ruling on the field. To initiate a challenge, the coach must throw a red challenge flag before the next snap.
A coach’s challenge is commonly used to review:
- Spot of the ball
- Catch vs. no-catch rulings
- Fumbles
- Boundary and in-bounds determinations
Do You Lose a Timeout for a Coach’s Challenge?
Yes, a team can lose a timeout—but only if the coach’s challenge is unsuccessful.
If the Coach’s Challenge Is Successful
- The ruling on the field is overturned
- No timeout is lost
- The team keeps all remaining timeouts
If the Coach’s Challenge Is Unsuccessful
- The call on the field stands
- The team loses one timeout
Because timeouts are critical for clock management—especially late in games—coaches usually issue a challenge only when replay evidence appears clear.
How Many Coach’s Challenges Does a Team Get?
- Each team is allowed two coach’s challenges per game
- If a team loses both coach’s challenges, it cannot challenge again
- Winning a coach’s challenge does not earn an additional challenge
When Can’t a Coach’s Challenge Be Used?
NFL rules restrict when a coach’s challenge may be used:
Inside the Final Two Minutes of Each Half
- Coaches cannot use a coach’s challenge during the final two minutes of the second quarter or fourth quarter
- All reviews during these periods are initiated by the replay booth
Scoring Plays
- All scoring plays are automatically reviewed
- A coach’s challenge is not allowed, and no timeout is at risk
Why Timeouts Matter in a Coach’s Challenge
Timeouts are essential for:
- Managing the game clock
- Stopping late-game drives
- Setting up final possessions
- Avoiding delay-of-game penalties
An unsuccessful coach’s challenge can remove a critical timeout, which is why coaches carefully weigh the decision before throwing the challenge flag.
Summary: NFL Coach’s Challenge Rules
- Successful coach’s challenge = no timeout lost
- Unsuccessful coach’s challenge = one timeout lost
- Two coach’s challenges per game maximum
- No coach’s challenges in the final two minutes of each half
- All scoring plays are automatically reviewed
Final Thoughts
An NFL coach’s challenge is a powerful but risky strategic tool. While it can correct major officiating errors, an unsuccessful challenge costs a timeout and can significantly impact late-game strategy. Understanding when and how a coach’s challenge affects timeouts helps explain many critical decisions made on the sideline.