NFL Rumors: Rule Change Could Allow Coaches To Challenge Missed Calls

For more than a week, the biggest NFL story leading up to the Super Bowl has had nothing to do with the game itself. Los Angeles Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman’s uncalled pass interference penalty late in the NFC Championship Game has prompted calls for the league to change the rules or even overturn the results of the game.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday that a significant rule change could be coming in the offseason. According to Schefter, the NFL is considering allowing coaches to challenge judgment calls, like missed pass interference penalties.

Coaches would have a limited number of chances to claim the officials made the wrong call. A replay review would theoretically ensue, and coach is found to be in the wrong, his team would either be penalized or time would run off the clock. That is a harsher penalty than a regular incorrect coach’s challenge, which only uses a timeout.

The penalty is designed as a compromise to keep coaches from abusing the privilege and challenging every possible instance of pass interference or other judgment calls. Otherwise, it could be difficult to get the votes needed to pass this rule change.

Schefter’s source said the NFL competition committee will likely find a way to pass a version of this rule change.

The controversial missed call resulted in a lawsuit on behalf of New Orleans Saints season ticket holders asking the NFL to replay the game. In a legal brief, the league admitted the call was blown, but said the NFL would never replay a game under any circumstances.

Saints coach Sean Payton had a different response to the game, according to Schefter.