NFL’s Red Challenge Flag Rule Change Catches Attention of Bengals Coach Zac Taylor
The NFL has introduced a slight modification to its rules ahead of the 2026 season, affecting the handling of the red challenge flag during games. This change comes as no surprise to Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, who has technically been bending rules for the past eight years.
Traditionally, head coaches were solely responsible for challenging plays by throwing the red flag on the field for review. However, the new rule permits coaches to delegate this task to another member of their staff, should they choose to do so.
Zac Taylor, head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, addresses the media during a training camp at Kettering Health Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 29, 2026.
Taylor, who became the Bengals’ head coach in 2019, disclosed that he never personally held the red flag. Instead, Doug Rosfeld, his chief of coaching staff, assumed that responsibility. This approach has been a steady part of Taylor’s coaching routine, as he shared during a recent press conference.
Taylor stated, “We’ve been breaking that rule for eight years because I’ve never thrown a challenge flag.” He went on to explain that referees were informed pregame about who would be handling the flag, and no issues arose from this practice. “They ask you that in pregame, who’s got the flag,” Taylor mentioned. “It’s never been an issue. I didn’t even know it was frowned upon. I know there are other coaches in the league, I’m not the only one who’s done that. I saw they implemented a new rule, so maybe we’ll get a retroactive fine or something.”
Many coaches have their own methods of handling the challenge flag, often carrying it in various places like pockets or even socks during games. Despite this rule change, coaches who are accustomed to carrying the flag themselves are likely to continue their habits.
For Taylor, keeping the flag with Rosfeld simplifies his responsibilities as he focuses on play-calling for the offensive series and interacts with players post-series. Rosfeld’s role includes assessing potential challenges in real-time during these crucial moments.
Although teams and coaches have differing strategies, this rule amendment does not faze Taylor. “It’s easier for me,” Taylor noted. He elaborated, “They always made it clear to me that I have to be next to Doug. I guess if we ever need to sneak one by them when I was back there [talking to Joe Burrow] and they couldn’t get me on the headset, Doug could have done it, but that’s never come up. It’s just part of our routine now. I feel better with Doug having it.”