NFL makes significant change to challenge rules

Feb 1, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; The NFL shield logo is seen at midfield at SoFi Stadium. Super Bowl LVI between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals will be played on Feb. 13, 2022. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL is implementing a significant change in 2024 that will reward teams for successful coach’s challenges.

NFL owners on Monday approved a change to the coach’s challenge rules that was proposed by the Detroit Lions. Previously, teams were awarded a third challenge only if they were successful with both of the two challenges they had when a game started. With the new rule, coaches will only have to win one of their first two challenges to be awarded a third.

The NFL has approved a change to its challenge rules. A team now gets a third challenge if just one of their earlier two challenges was successful. Lions proposed the rule.

Previously you only got a third if both of your challengers were successful. There is no fourth challenge

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 25, 2024

There have been countless examples of how a successful coach’s challenge can change the outcome of a game, so it is not a surprise that the rule was approved. Now, coaches should be less fearful of wasting a challenge on a play that is close but could have a major impact.

Team owners also approved a much more controversial rule change on Monday.