Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has made clear he will not be delegating challenge responsibilities this season, despite new NFL rules that permit coaches to assign the task to an assistant. Campbell stated emphatically on Sunday that he intends to personally handle all challenges during the upcoming campaign, declining to take advantage of the league’s recent rule modification.
The NFL adjusted its challenge procedures this offseason to allow head coaches the option of having a designee throw the red flag during games. Campbell rejected this flexibility, explaining that accountability ultimately rests with him regardless of who physically throws the flag. He reasoned that since he must answer for challenge decisions anyway, there is no logical reason to have someone else execute the action on his behalf.
Campbell’s approach reflects his hands-on coaching philosophy. Since taking the helm in 2021, the Lions head coach has maintained a 10-24 record on challenges, typically making decisions in consultation with his assistants before making the final call himself. During the Lions’ preseason game against Cincinnati, Campbell unsuccessfully challenged one play.
In roster moves, the Lions waived running backs Kye Robichaux and safety Loren Strickland with injured designations following Sunday’s game. Robichaux sustained a foot injury while Strickland suffered a leg injury. The team subsequently signed cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe and added running back Trayveon Williams to fill the vacancies.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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