The NFL is making a significant change to replay challenge rules, though coaches may not be eager to take full advantage of it.
The NFL will allow head coaches to designate a member of their staff to be able to throw the challenge flag during games, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The move is optional, and coaches would have to inform officials who their designee is before the start of a game.
In the past, head coaches have been the only ones permitted to throw the challenge flag during games. Some coaches probably will not want to delegate that responsibility to someone else, even if the authority to throw it ultimately remains with them.
Head coaches already have a lot of responsibilities on the sideline during games. There have also been instances in which coaches have gotten carried away and thrown the flag more with their heart than their head. Sometimes, the flag even gets thrown when it is not allowed to be.
Some coaches might find it advantageous to let the flag be someone else’s problem, but many will probably want to keep the final say themselves.
