NFL Playoff Rules for a Coach's Challenge

NFL coaches have been allowed to challenge calls by officials since 1999, in hopes of eliminating some human error from the game. Challenge calls are a popular addition to the game, and add strategy because head coaches are limited in their challenges. While some complain that it slows down the game to have coaches challenge and then officials check to ensure accuracy, the most important thing is getting the call, especially during playoffs.

  1. How to Challenge

    • Coaches challenge by throwing a red flag on the field, which calls the referee over and allows the coach to explain the call he wishes to challenge. The referee then has 60 seconds to review the play and determine whether there is indisputable evidence that the call should be overturned.

    When to Challenge

    • Coaches can only challenge before the next play begins. No challenge can be made once the ball is snapped and if a flag hasn't been thrown in time for a referee to notice it.

    Number of Challenges

    • Each coach receives two challenges for the entire game. If both challenges are correct, the coach then receives a third challenge. Coaches also lose a time out if a challenge is incorrect; therefore, a coach cannot challenge if he has no time outs left in the half.

    Warnings and Overtime Challenges

    • Coaches cannot challenge plays after the whistle has blown for the two-minute warning, nor can they in overtime. Instead, challenges come from a replay official watching the game who must identify that a play should be looked at by a referee before the ball is snapped.

    When Challenges Aren't Allowed

    • Coaches cannot challenge penalties or so-called judgment decisions by officials, such as if a receiver is forced out of bounds. Most other plays can be challenged, including the spot of the football, whether a player is in or out of bounds, catches, fumbles and scoring.

    Playoff Differences

    • Games cannot end in ties during the playoffs, which is the only difference versus the regular season. Because of this, there can conceivably be multiple overtimes. Coaches do not get a challenge in subsequent overtimes that may occur, just like in the first overtime rule.