There are changes coming to the NFL’s challenge system that are not major, but they’re still somewhat interesting.
Per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, coaches can now designate another sideline staff member to initiate replay challenges. Traditionally, only the head coaches could throw the red flag to challenge a ruling. Head coaches would do it if they themselves had an issue with a play, or if a member of the staff would advise them to do so. Now, they could delegate the duty to another staff member on the sideline with them.
The new rule is written as follows:
“The head coach or head coach’s pregame challenge designee can initiate a challenge by throwing a red flag onto the field of play before the next legal snap or kick.”- Rule 15, Section 1, Article 1(a)
Now, some head coaches have been known to throw the challenge flag not because it logically makes sense, but because they are in the heat of the moment and their emotions take over. This rule, for self aware head coaches, could minimize that occurring and designate a more level headed and logical individual to do so.
How does this effect the Seattle Seahawks? Coach Mike Macdonald is a levelheaded individual as it is, and he’s only thrown the challenge flag four times as head coach (with a 2-2 record), so it is not as though he would give the duty to someone else because he is overly emotional. However, a coach like Daniel Stern whose job with the Baltimore Ravens was to help make in-game decisions could be a logical designated “Challenge Flag Thrower” of sorts.
What do you think? Will Mike keep the duties or designate other person? Do you like the rule? Discuss in the comments!
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