The rule that Jim Schwartz discovered yesterday could be erased this season (Leon Haslip, Getty Images)

In the wake of the confusing, controversial, and technically correct touchdown call in Thursday’s Lions-Texans game, the NFL may change the rule that caused all the confusion sooner rather than later, according to a report on NFL.com.

The rule in question prohibits coaches from throwing their red challenge flag to demand review of a play (such as a touchdown) that will be automatically reviewed by officials anyways. The flaws in this obscure rule were visible for a national TV audience in yesterday’s game.

In the 3rd quarter, Texans running back Justin Forsett appeared to be down on a running play after both his knee and elbow touched the ground. However, the officials on the field missed the call, and with the Lions defense returning to start the next play in the drive, Forsett waltzed the rest of the field for an 81-yard touchdown.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz, frustrated by the decision, threw his challenge flag, forgetting that the scoring play was destined to be reviewed anyway, and in essence allowing an illegitimate touchdown to stand. Such a loophole may not exist for much longer.

The Detroit Lions gave head coach Jim Schwartz a new multi-year deal after he led the team to the their first playoff berth in 11 years. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions are putting their faith in head coach Jim Schwartz, agreeing on a new multi-year deal, according to a league source and detroitlions.com. No financial terms or the length of the contract were disclosed.

“The next time I comment on my contract will be the first time,” Schwartz has said a number of times.

Schwartz, 46, will be entering his fourth season with the Lions taking over a team that went 0-16 the year before he got the job.  The Lions went 2-14 his first year, then 6-10 and 10-6 last season, losing to the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card Round. It was the Lions’ first playoff berth in 11 seasons.

Schwartz was entering the final year of his deal that he signed in 2009.