The NFL\u2019s replay system needs consistency and transparency. Lately, it has too often had neither.<\/p>\n
And it will be under the microscope on Sunday, during the conference championship games.<\/p>\n
The advent of replay assistance has added to a vibe that was described (accurately) by Kyle Brandt of NFL Network as \u201cOrwellian,\u201d during a discussion last Sunday about the failure to conduct a full review of the controversial Brandin Cooks play in Bills-Broncos. Complicating the situation is that no one knows who is making these decisions.<\/p>\n
There are two key questions. One, in situations where a coach\u2019s challenge is not available (e.g., the final two minutes of a half, scoring plays, overtime), who initiates the full replay process? Two, when there\u2019s an official replay review, who makes the decision?<\/p>\n
The rulebook, as to the first question, states that “[o]nly the Replay Official or the Senior Vice President of Officiating or his or her designee may initiate a review of a play.\u201d As to the second question, the rulebook says this: \u201cAll Replay Reviews will be conducted by the Senior Vice President of Officiating or his or her designee.\u201d<\/p>\n
There\u2019s one major problem. The NFL currently has no Senior Vice President of Officiating, and apparently hasn\u2019t had one for nearly two years. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s the link<\/a> to the current members of the NFL\u2019s football operations team. Perry Fewell is listed as \u201cSenior Vice President, Officiating Communications and Administration.\u201d Mark Butterworth is listed as \u201cVice President, Replay Training and Development.\u201d Ramon George and George Stewart are separately identified as \u201cVice President, Officiating Training and Development.\u201d <\/p>\n Walt Anderson, who doesn\u2019t appear in the link to the members of the NFL\u2019s football operations team, had been the Senior V.P. of Officiating. In April 2024, the NFL announced that Anderson \u201cis transitioning to a new role as NFL rules analyst and club communications liaison<\/a>.\u201d <\/p>\n No replacement was announced at the time. The following month, FootballZebras.com reported that Ramon George would become the new Senior V.P. of Officiating. That report was later updated to explain that George would not inherit the title<\/a>. <\/p>\n The update also reasonably surmised that the rulebook would be revised, given the multiple references to \u201cSenior V.P. of Officiating.\u201d That has not happened.<\/p>\n The situation only adds to the confusion as to who, if anyone, is ultimately responsible for activating the replay process and, when activated, making the replay decision.<\/p>\n