Abstract: In situ pyrolysis of tar−rich coal is a new technology for coal based oil and gas development based on the characteristics of national fossil energy endowment. Currently, this technology is in a transitional phase from indoor research to field trials. There are issues such as an incomplete theoretical technical system, unclear technical research directions, and unclear collaborative development paths. To accelerate industrialization, the technical advantages of in situ pyrolysis of tar−rich coal were analyzed, a theoretical technical framework was established, and based on a review of the current state of research at home and abroad, the main theoretical technical challenges and countermeasures at this stage were clarified. Research shows that: （1）In situ pyrolysis of tar−rich coal has three technical advantages: great resource potential, high resource abundance, low geological risk and good technical compatibility. （2）“Generation−flow−change” is the core scientific issue of in situ pyrolysis of tar−rich coal. The “four characteristics” issues of geological suitability, pyrolysis efficiency, production safety, and economic feasibility are the core technical issues. Based on the technical process, the following key areas have been identified: optimization of sweet spot sections and evaluation of sealing integrity, drilling and completion of wells and reservoir modification, in situ heating and temperature−pressure control, optimization of development plans and enhanced oil recovery, and tar and gas lifting and surface gathering and processing.（3）China is at the forefront of the world in terms of theoretical and technological research and field trials related to in situ pyrolysis of tar−rich coal. But there are still challenges in terms of technology and profitability. In terms of mechanism research, efforts should be made to strengthen research on the flow mechanism of “variable temperature, variable pressure, and variable phase” and the multi−field coupling mechanism of thermal−fluid−solid mechanics and chemistry. In terms of key technologies, research and development efforts should be focused on coal seam complex volume fracture network modification technology, in situ composite heating technology, temperature and pressure control technology, and risk assessment and monitoring and prevention technology. In terms of improving economic efficiency, it is recommended to achieve synergistic development with new energy, coalbed methane, underground coal gasification, CCUS, and modern coal chemical industry through measures such as “local consumption of green electricity, coalbed methane enhanced recovery, continued development of underground coal gasification, in situ CO₂ storage, and chemical raw material preparation,” thereby enhancing economic competitiveness.