Beginning with the 2026 season, the NFL will allow head coaches to designate another sideline staff member to throw the red challenge flag and initiate replay reviews.
Previously, only the head coach could formally challenge a ruling. Under the updated Rule 15, Section 1, Article 1(a), either the head coach or a pregame-designated challenge representative can throw the flag before the next legal snap or kick.
The designation must be communicated to officials before the game begins. The adjustment did not require an ownership vote and was added while the NFL finalized its 2026 rule book.
The change could help teams make more calculated replay decisions by allowing a staff member focused on replay strategy to handle challenges rather than leaving the responsibility solely to the head coach. Coaches can still communicate over their headsets and remain involved in the decision.
The change comes after 151 coaches’ challenges were made during the 2025 season, the most since 2019.