In theory, the NFL's new decision to allow assistant coaches to also throw challenge flags has sound intent.
Head coaches have so much on their plate as game managers every week that it makes sense to let them delegate critical play reviews to their subordinates. But guess what? If a challenge by an assistant coach fails, it's probably not the assistant coach who will get ripped apart for the decision to challenge in the postgame. It will, unsurprisingly, probably still be the head coach because everything ultimately comes back to them.
On Sunday, Dan Campbell pointed out this obvious flaw before Lions practice.
When asked if he would ever allow one of his assistants to handle challenge duties, Campbell pointedly shut down the very idea. Why? Because, well, if the assistant gets the challenge wrong, then the buck would still stop with Campbell. He's not wrong!
Dan Campbell was asked about giving up challenge responsibilities
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) August 16, 2026
“I’m not giving that flag up to anybody.” pic.twitter.com/gBF1LwEzAK
I don't imagine that Campbell will be the only NFL head coach who thinks this way about the expanded challenge rules. With great power — meaning a red challenge flag — comes great responsibility, but an assistant coach still won't take the same accountability for any potential mistake. You only get so many challenges in a single game, and they often swing the final outcome; the outcome of which the head coach will be evaluated much more.
Why on Earth would the logical, reasonable leader of an entire football team ever surrender that sort of power to a lesser-known, lesser-paid, and ultimately less accountable coach? It doesn't make much sense.
What is Dan Campbell's challenge record with the Lions?
Campbell is 10-14 overall since taking over as Lions head coach in 2021.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Dan Campbell pointed out the obvious flaw in NFL's new expanded challenge rule