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Fixing the NFL’s Coin Toss Problem is Easy, and Possibly Profitable

By Zac Snyder

Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL referee John Parry watches a replay on a Microsoft Surface during the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL referee John Parry watches a replay on a Microsoft Surface during the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Controversies involving something as simple as a coin flip can be a major black eye for the NFL, but the solution is easy and possibly also profitable for the league.

The coin toss prior to the start of any NFL game or overtime should be a simple act taken for granted. However, in some cases it has actually been a source of controversy.

The coin toss process was improved in the wake of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Thanksgiving Day misfortune against the Detroit Lions such that the call is made and confirmed prior to the toss rather than in the air.

But even as simple as the coin flip should be, the current process still leaves open the possibility of controversy. That was on display again this past weekend in the Divisional round of the playoffs as the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals headed to overtime.

It appeared the Cardinals had won the toss but referee Clete Blakeman called for a re-flip because the coin had not rotated in the air. Fortunately, the do over also resulted in the Cardinals winning the coin toss but while major controversy was avoided, it is clear the process can be improved further.

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There has to be a better way than tossing a physical coin into the air. How about an app for that?

While the coin toss is not likely to be high on the league’s list of priorities, one thing always is: money. Microsoft is already paying $400 million for a five-year deal to feature its Surface tablet on NFL sidelines. Why not take the coin flip virtual?

Have one of the visiting captains tap his choice of heads or tails, then the referee “flips” the coin with a simple swipe of a finger. No worries about hearing a choice correctly or tossing a coin that doesn’t flip.

Moving to an app-based coin flip would bring additional exposure for the Surface tablet and could be used as bargaining power for the next sideline tablet deal to go into effect in a couple years. It is a simple, common sense solution for a league that has been accused of lacking in common sense.

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