Bengals Coach Zac Taylor on NFL Rule Change

The NFL has made a minor adjustment to its rules that will take effect before the 2026 season. This change is familiar territory for Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. He revealed that he has been bending an NFL rule for eight years.

Under the revised rule, head coaches can assign the task of using the red challenge flag to another staff member if they choose. Previously, it was the head coach’s responsibility to challenge a play by throwing the red flag onto the field.

Zac Taylor, head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, speaks to the media at Kettering Health Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 29, 2026. (Getty Images)

Now, coaches can appoint a pregame challenge designee who will manage challenges during games. Taylor shared that his approach has been different since 2019, his first year as Bengals head coach. His chief of coaching staff, Doug Rosfeld, has been the one managing the flag duties.

Taylor remarked, “We’ve been breaking that rule for eight years because I’ve never thrown a challenge flag.” He explained that referees were informed of this setup before games, and it was never an issue. “They ask you that in pregame, who’s got the flag,” he said. “It’s never been an issue.”

Taylor mentioned other coaches likely employ similar methods. With the new rule, any potential fines for past practices might arise. Coaches have various habits for managing the red flag, including keeping it in their pockets or even socks, like Bill Belichick.

For Taylor, having Rosfeld handle the flag makes more sense. As the play-caller, he often discusses strategies with players immediately after an offensive series. During those moments, Rosfeld watches for challengeable plays and decides whether to throw the flag.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor calls out during the first half of an NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, January 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

The recent rule change aligns with Taylor’s existing routine. “I have to be next to Doug,” Taylor mentioned, referring to coordinating challenges during games.

Zac Taylor stands on the sideline at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 4, 2026. (Getty Images)