defensive holding vs dpi

[defcoach]

Can a play that begins as defensive holding be changed to defensive pass interference, if the holding is still occurring on the receiver when the ball is released?  Had a crew say that since they threw the flag before the ball was thrown it was defensive holding and a 10 yard penalty,  I disagreed, saying that once the ball leaves the QB's hand and contact is still being made, it should become a PI, and should be 15 yards and 1st down...

[mbyron]

Good question, and not one AFAIK that receives a clear answer in the rules or cases.

IMO a defensive holding foul that continues into the pass has become DPI. To insist otherwise would reward the defense for starting their foul early. I would probably flag both (it is in fact 2 fouls), and then enforce the DPI.

[FLbackjudge]

Rule 7-3-8 is pretty specific about what constitutes pass interference.  7-9-e (contact interference) says that when PI includes an act that is a personal foul, either the UNR or DPI may be enforced.  The implication is that no foul other than a personal foul trumps pass interference.  So if there is a hold that continue after the ball is thrown, it is DPI rather than holding, even if the 10 yard penalty is greater than the penalty for DPI.

[HLinNC]

"Coach, that was a 5 yard incidental facemask foul"

"But he yanked his head around!?"

"Well, yeah but when I threw the flag, he was just grasping it."