Should pass interference be reviewable? NFL coaches remain divided

NFL coaches remain divided over whether pass interference calls should once again be subject to video review, a question the league has grappled with before after a previous experiment with the rule.

The NFL briefly made pass interference reviewable several seasons ago, a change introduced in response to a high-profile missed call in a conference championship game. That version of the rule drew criticism over inconsistent application and was eventually discontinued, returning pass interference to a judgment call made by officials on the field without the option of a booth or coach's challenge.

Supporters of reintroducing a review mechanism argue that pass interference, as one of the most impactful and frequently disputed penalties in the sport, deserves a path to correction when officials clearly miss a call. Critics counter that the previous attempt demonstrated the difficulty of applying a clear, consistent standard to what is often a judgment-based penalty, leading to inconsistent reviews that frustrated coaches, players and fans alike.

The debate reflects a broader, ongoing discussion within the league about how far to extend video review without slowing the pace of play or undermining the authority of on-field officiating crews. Other professional leagues have faced similar tensions in balancing accuracy with the flow of the game.

With coaches split on the issue, any formal proposal to reintroduce reviewable pass interference would need to clear the league's standard process for rule changes, which typically requires substantial support among team owners.