NFL Expands Challenge-Flag Flexibility Ahead of 2026 Season

The NFL announced that, beginning with the 2026 season, each team’s head coach may name a pre-game “challenge designee” to throw the red challenge flag during games. The rule text, cited by ESPN, states the head coach or the designated staff member can initiate a challenge by tossing the flag before the next legal snap or kick. This marks the first time the league has formally permitted delegation of the responsibility that was previously reserved exclusively for the head coach.

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Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor revealed that his staff has operated under a de facto version of the new rule for eight years. When Taylor was hired in 2019, he assigned his chief of coaching staff, Doug Rosfeld, to handle the flag. Taylor said he informed officiating crews before each game that Rosfeld would be the flag-thrower and that officials never raised an issue. He added that other coaches also employ similar practices, and he expects the league’s formal change to simply codify what the Bengals have already done.

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Taylor explained that not holding the flag allows him to focus on offensive communication after a series, such as speaking with quarterback Joe Burrow, without needing to monitor the field for challenge opportunities. He noted that Rosfeld remains “on it” and “paranoid” about missing a challenge, emphasizing the continuity of the routine. Rosfeld described his own process, saying he approaches referees before games to introduce himself and ensure they recognize the flag when he needs to use it.

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In the most recent season, the Bengals won five challenges, tying them for the third-most successful teams league-wide.

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• “They always made it clear to me that I have to be next to Doug,” — Zac Taylor, bengals head coach

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• “When that situation arises, I move toward the referees,” — Doug Rosfeld, his chief of coaching staff, throwing the flag instead

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