{
  "id": 503627,
  "title": "The NFL will allow head coaches to designate an assistant to throw a challenge flag",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/the-nfl-will-allow-head-coaches-to-designate-an-assistant-to-throw-a",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-10T20:39:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/nfl/2026/08/10/the-nfl-will-allow-head-coaches-to-designate-an-assistant-to-throw-a-challenge-flag"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The NFL has announced that head coaches will now be able to appoint an assistant to throw the red flag for instant replay challenges. Previously, only the head coach was permitted to throw the flag. Rule 15 Section 1 of the rule book has been modified for the current season to allow this delegation. A head coach can delegate this responsibility by informing the officiating crew before the game if he wishes to relinquish those duties. The head coach retains the final decision on whether to throw the flag. Teams are allotted two challenges per game, with a third challenge available if one of the first two results in an overturned call. Replays can be utilized for various situations, such as possession, grounding of the ball or player, inbounds status, gaining a first down, or number of players on the field. Certain occurrences like scoring plays, turnovers, failed fourth downs, post-kick possession, or disqualifications are automatically reviewed and cannot be challenged by teams.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}