NFL to allow head coaches to tap staff member for challenges

Field Level Media|published: Mon 10th August, 20:17 2026

Nov 19, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; A general view of the red challenge flag on the field during the first half between the Miami Dolphins and the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Head coaches will no longer be the only people who can throw the red challenge flag during an NFL game.

The league on Monday published an update to the rulebook concerning who can initiate instant replay reviews, revealing that head coaches can now designate one specific member of their staff to do so on their behalf.

"The Head Coach or head coach's pregame challenge designee can initiate a challenge by throwing a red flag onto the field of play before the next legal snap or kick," Rule 15, Section 1, Article 1 of the 2026 NFL rulebook reads.

If a head coach designates a staff member to handle initiating challenges before the game, then that decision must last for the entirety of the game -- rather than there being two people on staff who can toss the red flag.

According to reports, this update was not announced at the league's annual meeting, but not all rulebook changes require a vote from the team owners.

--Field Level Media

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