NFL Rule Update Allows Designated Staff Member To Throw Challenge Flags

Starting in 2026, NFL head coaches can delegate the job of throwing the red challenge flag to a designated sideline staffer.
The change, prompted after 151 coach challenges in 2025, is meant to curb emotional snap decisions while coaches still direct challenges via headset or direct instruction.
Challenge rules stay the same: teams get two challenges (a third if one is overturned) and lose a timeout for an unsuccessful challenge.