If a ball is hiked and subsequently fumbled, who is responsible for the next play?

The responsibility for the next play after a ball is hiked and subsequently fumbled falls on the last player to touch the ball. In football, the play remains live after a fumble until the ball is recovered or goes out of bounds. The player who last possessed or touched the ball is typically viewed as the most recent active participant before the fumble and would be involved in any subsequent plays related to the fumble's outcome, whether that’s recovering the ball, trying to advance it, or responding to the situation. This rule creates a clear framework for who is accountable after a turnover situation, which is crucial for maintaining the flow and organization of the game.

The original passer is not responsible because after the ball is passed or hiked, they are no longer in possession. The coach has no direct involvement with the ball’s possession; their role is more about strategy and play-calling from the sidelines rather than on-field responsibilities. Lastly, the notion that no one is responsible due to the play being dead is incorrect since a fumble allows the game to continue, so there is indeed an active role for the last player involved.