Starting in the 2026 NFL season, a slight adjustment to a league rule will allow head coaches to delegate the use of the red challenge flag to other staff members. This change is not new to Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, as he confessed to technically flouting the rule for the past eight years.
Traditionally, the responsibility of challenging a play and throwing the red flag on the field lay with the head coach. The recent rule update permits coaches to appoint a pregame challenge designee to handle these moments during the game.
When Taylor assumed the role of Bengals’ head coach in 2019, he did not personally manage the challenge flag. Instead, this task fell to Doug Rosfeld, his chief of coaching staff, marking how Taylor has approached this part of his coaching responsibilities.
We’ve been breaking that rule for eight years because I’ve never thrown a challenge flag,Taylor admitted during a press conference.
Taylor further explained that he informed referees before games about Rosfeld having the flag duty. He added that there had never been an issue with this arrangement. In light of other coaches employing similar practices, Taylor welcomed the rule change.
Despite the alteration, many head coaches stick to their established routines. Some prefer keeping the flag in a specific place, like a pant pocket or sock, as seen with Bill Belichick. Taylor finds it more manageable not to carry the flag. His focus post-offensive series is on communicating with players, leaving Rosfeld to decide if a play is worth challenging.
Some coaches may continue using the red flag themselves, but for Taylor, delegating this task has become an integral part of the Bengals’ game routine.
Taylor noted, They always made it clear to me that I have to be next to Doug.
This arrangement ensures task efficiency and seamless communication within the team, streamlining game day duties.