Starting in 2026, the NFL is changing one of its game-day rules, and it is about who gets to throw the red flag.
New in 2026: The NFL will allow head coaches to designate a member of their sideline staff to throw the red challenge flag. Teams must inform officials before the game if someone else has been designated, per @SeifertESPN.
Previously, only the HC could initiate a replay… pic.twitter.com/POKKDFXot3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 10, 2026
Starting this season, head coaches will be allowed to assign replay-challenge responsibilities to a member of their sideline crew, removing a long-standing rule that only the head coach could make such call.
According to ESPN, This rule change, unlike others, wasn’t voted on at the NFL’s annual owners meeting.
Instead, it’s part of the usual modifications the league makes each summer when putting the finishing touches on its official rulebook, no ownership vote needed.
The adjustment was verified Monday by a league official.
But also, teams will have to tell referees before the game starts, meaning coaches would have to make their decision ahead of time, rather than on the fly during a close call.
It’s a tiny rule on paper, but it could subtly alter the way clubs operate this season
