A system and method for selectively operating an array of RF receive coils in a transmit mode is disclosed. The system includes an RF transmit coil configured to generate an RF field that excites nuclei of a subject to generate RF resonance signals, an array of RF receive coils to receive the RF resonance signals, and a detuning circuit coupled to each RF receive coil in the array of RF receive coils that is selectively switched between a disabled and an enabled state to control a resonance and impedance of the RF receive coil. Each RF receive coil is caused to receive RF resonance signals when its respective detuning circuit is in the disabled state and is caused to modify an amplitude and phase of the RF field generated by the RF transmit coil when its respective detuning circuit is in the enabled state.