The League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) will introduce Coach Comms, a new competitive operations feature that allows coaching staff to communicate directly with players during live gameplay. For now, Coach Comms will only be piloted during the Regular Season of Split 1.

Why are we introducing Coach Comms?

In LoL Esports, coaches cannot communicate with players once the draft phase concludes. Although teams can provide feedback based on replays after each game, these reviews occur only after results are determined, creating natural limitations for real-time strategic adjustments.

Coach Comms is designed to allow coaches to communicate with players in real time, enabling immediate strategic responses to in-game situations. This may enhance the course of a match, allow more timely tactical decisions, and create new points of engagement for fans watching the game.

How does Coach Comms work during a match?

Teams may use Coach Comms up to three times per game, with each activation lasting 45 seconds. Requests must be made through approved equipment and procedures, from there, Coach Comms is conducted without pausing the game.

LCP teams have to nominate one member of their coaching staff before the game begins to participate in Coach Comms. During games, that nominated coach will be restricted to the team-only perspective that players see, and all external communication is strictly prohibited until the game ends. Teams can only switch nominees after each game ends.

Is Coach Comms mandatory?

No. Coach Comms is optional, and teams may choose whether to use it. Teams must confirm their decision before the game begins, and cannot change this decision once the game has loaded.

The LCP team will closely evaluate Coach Comms throughout its pilot run at the Regular Season during Split 1, including team usage patterns, player feedback, fan reactions, and operational stability. This review will determine whether Coach Comms will be implemented more broadly in the future. We appreciate your interest and feedback as we test this new feature.

FAQ

Q. Will Coach Comms be introduced in all leagues?

A. Coach Comms will only be piloted for a short period in the LCK and LCP. It will not be used at global events or other regional leagues for now.

Q. Does Coach Comms cause a pause in the game?

A. No. Coach Comms is conducted without a pause, and the flow of the game is maintained at all times.

Q. What information can coaches see during Coach Comms?

A. The nominated coach can only see the same team POV that players see. Opponent information and all-game spectator modes are not provided.

Q. Can coaches communicate externally during Coach Comms?

A. No. The use of external communication devices is strictly prohibited during live games.

Q. Will the opposing team know when Coach Comms is used?

A. No. Opposing teams will not be directly notified when Coach Comms is activated.

Q. Where must coaches be located during a match?

A. Nominated coaches using Coach Comms must remain in the designated Coach Comms area. They must enter the area once draft concludes and cannot leave after the game begins. If they must leave due to unavoidable reasons (e.g. restroom), they cannot return until the game concludes.

Q. Can coaches leave the area after using all Coach Comms opportunities?

A. Yes. Coaches who have exhausted all Coach Comms opportunities for the game may freely leave the designated area.

Q. Will Coach Comms audio be used on the broadcast?

A. Coach Comms audio will not be played during broadcast.