NFL thinks it's solved sideline communication issues

The NFL is taking much-needed steps to fix the sideline communication issues that have become a common occurrence for many teams.

Over the past year, the league has been testing a new and reliable platform for coaches and players to communicate during games. If the system works as designed, coaches would no longer have to deal with malfunctioning headsets or hear the opposing team's broadcast while trying to communicate with an assistant.

The NFL will be implementing a VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) system that was developed over a four-year span, Kevin Seifert of ESPN reports. The private encrypted mobile communication system is owned by the NFL and will operate an exclusive frequency provided by the Federal Communications Commission, eliminating any interference from other products.

"We've known we needed to solve this with something that would work for everyone all the time," NFL senior vice president and chief information officer Michelle McKenna-Doyle told Seifert. "And we think we have that."

League officials tested the new system in all 31 stadiums last season and with coaches during the Pro Bowl. It's expected to get the final stamp of approval during the NFL's annual meetings.