NFL Rule Change Aligns with Bengals Coach Zac Taylor’s Long-Standing Practice

The NFL has modified a rule effective before the 2026 season. The change allows each team’s head coach the option to delegate the responsibility of using the red challenge flag to another staff member. This decision aligns with Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor’s long-standing approach.

Since becoming the Bengals’ head coach in 2019, Taylor entrusted the challenge flag to Doug Rosfeld, his chief of coaching staff, instead of handling it himself. Taylor revealed during a recent press conference that he has never personally thrown the challenge flag, a practice technically against previous NFL rules.

Taylor openly informed game referees pregame that Rosfeld handled the flag duties. The officials didn’t object to this arrangement. Taylor remarked, “I didn’t even know it was frowned upon. I know there’s other coaches in the league doing it this way too. Now with the new rule, maybe we’ll see a retroactive fine.”

We’ve been breaking that rule for eight years because I’ve never thrown a challenge flag.

Many NFL coaches have personal routines for handling the red challenge flag. Some prefer to keep it in a pocket, while others, like Bill Belichick, store it in their socks. Despite this new flexibility, some coaches may choose not to change their habits.

For Taylor, delegating the red flag responsibility allows him to focus on play-calling and communicating with players after offensive series. Rosfeld has been entrusted with watching games and deciding if a challenge is warranted, making the transition seamless for Taylor.

“It’s easier for me,” Taylor stated. “When I’m talking to the players post-series, Doug determines if there’s a reason to challenge.”

Taylor finds comfort knowing Rosfeld is in charge of the challenge flag. “I feel better with Doug having it,” he explained, emphasizing that their system has become routine over time.