A look at coach's challenge records around the NFL
Packers players and coaches immediately pointed at the ground as Jerick McKinnon scooped Case Keenum’s pass for an eight-yard gain.
More importantly, the Vikings picked up a first down and, five plays later, a field goal for the 17-10 lead in the third quarter of Sunday’s win against the Packers. Keenum hurried the Vikings to the line, but a timeout came from Minnesota’s sideline to prevent anything hasty.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy was out of challenges after his second attempt failed in the second quarter. Even if McKinnon’s catch initially hit the ground, it was ruled a catch. Keenum found receiver Adam Thielen out of the timeout for a 23-yard gain. We discussed the pivotal swing and a brief history of Vikings-Packers coach’s challenges in our latest Access Vikings podcast.
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While you’re here, we’ve compiled coach’s records on challenges throughout the NFL, according to the reliable Pro Football Reference. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer’s 8-10 record on challenges ranks third in the division. The Vikings have overturned 2 of 3 calls off Zimmer’s red flags this season.
What you’ll see is not many head coaches and their staff maintain a winning record on referees, if you’re good and fortunate enough to hold a head coaching job for long. McCarthy’s .500 record is an anomaly among the most tenured head coaches.