These are Sony’s new noise-canceling headphones for NFL coaches

Sony is finally debuting the headset that it developed specifically for NFL coaches, after teasing it almost a year ago as part of a new partnership with the NFL. The headset features technology and engineering borrowed from Sony’s popular consumer-focused wireless headphones, such as the WH-1000XM6.

That includes the same noise-canceling technology that Sony uses in its 1000X headphone series, although it’s been optimized for use on the sidelines. Sony tested the headset using real crowd noises at 100 decibels to fine-tune its active noise cancellation for use in NFL stadiums. The headset will be available in two configurations featuring either one or two ear cups.

It features a new oversized microphone that helps keep the coach’s voice clear while concealing their lip movements so that other teams can’t easily see what play they’re calling. (They usually hide their mouths anyway.) 

Sony designed the new headsets to handle most of the weather teams face during the season, including extreme heat and cold conditions, as well as snow, sleet, and rain. They were drop tested to ensure they can endure the “physical demands of the sidelines”— cut to a scene of a coach tossing a headset to the ground after a bad play.

All 32 teams in the NFL will use Sony’s new hardware. The headsets will be wirelessly connected through a belt pack using a Verizon private 5G network in each stadium to ensure secure communications. 

Sony was announced as an official technology partner of the NFL in July 2024. In addition to replacing Bose as the official headset provider for the league, the use of Sony’s Hawk-Eye tracking technology was also expanded this past season. The technology will be used to assist with important calls on plays.