NFL allows coaches to designate staff for replay challenges
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 2:00 PM
Last updated Aug 11, 2026
A new NFL rule permits head coaches to designate a staff member to initiate replay challenges instead of exclusively relying on the coach. This change aims to reduce impulsive decisions made under pressure. Coaches like Mike Macdonald of the Seattle Seahawks, who has a 2-2 record on challenges, may benefit from delegating this responsibility to a more level-headed assistant. The rule's impact on team strategies and decision-making processes will be closely observed as the season progresses.
- •Coaches can now delegate challenge duties to sideline staff.
- •New rule aims to curb emotional decisions on challenges.
- •Mike Macdonald has only thrown the challenge flag four times.
- •The Seahawks and other teams may adjust their strategies accordingly.
- •Rule includes allowing staff to initiate challenges before the next play.
- 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — Why Mike Macdonald won’t have to throw the challenge flag anymore
"A new rule allows the head coach to designate a staff member to initiate challenges. How does this affect the Seahawks?
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