The NFL is implementing a number of new rules this season — or new wrinkles on old ones. The coaches challenge system falls into the latter category.
The league evaluates and implements changes on an annual basis. Sometimes, very few rules are altered or added ahead of the new season; other times, there are a plethora of guidelines amended.
This year, the NFL was busy making adjustments. From altering kickoffs, to changes to the chain gang, to the addition of guardian caps, there are plenty of new rules for fans to understand.
NEW NFL RULE EXPLAINERS: Kickoffs | Guardian caps | No chain gang
Challenges is another section of the game that was reformed this offseason. The league is loosening up on the qualifications in order to gain a third challenge opportunity.
Here is everything to know about the new challenge rule changes in the NFL.
NFL 'challenge' rule changes
In previous years, coaches were not allowed a third replay challenge after just one successful challenge prior in the contest. They needed two in order to gain a third replay challenge.
That is no longer the case. Starting in 2024, coaches can "challenge a third ruling following one successful challenge," according to Rule 15, Section 1, Article 1 in the NFL rulebook.
Every team starts the game with two challenges available to use at any point. The ability to use a challenge is impacted by the amount of timeouts remaining.
While a majority of the amendments to the rules were proposed by the Competition Committee, this one was done by the Lions. Detroit submitted the proposal to drop the requirements for a third replay challenge from two to one, and the proposal was successful.
Another part of the challenge policy remains the same: Inside the final two minutes of each half, all challenges are instigated by the replay official.