New York Jets promote former Tennessee Titans coach

The Tennessee Titans' offense was led by offensive coordinator Todd Downing in 2021-2022, and now he has another chance to showcase his skills in the NFL.

New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced that Downing will play for the team for the foreseeable future, replacing former Denver Broncos coach and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in the role.

The move came after the Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh earlier this week following a disastrous 2-3 start to the offense. Now Ulbrich (who served as the Jets' defensive coordinator) is pushing for a change, and that includes Downing as the team's new game manager.

Downing, 44, has coached in the NFL for 20 years in various roles with the Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, Titans and Jets.

While Downing initially started as the tight ends coach at Tennessee from 2019 to 2020, he became the team's offensive coordinator in 2021 when Arthur Smith left the role and became head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Downing began his first season as the Titans' offensive coordinator in the middle of the field in yards and points. However, he was unable to maintain that pace in his second year as the Titans fell to 30th in total offense. This led to his dismissal, where he was replaced by Tim Kelly.

Downing's job was made very easy in Tennessee with Derrick Henry in the backfield. He won't have that luxury in New York, but he has a solid pair of running backs in Breece Hall and freshman Braelon Allen. In their Week 2 win over the Titans, the two combined for 95 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.

Downing will make his debut as a play caller with the Jets when they host the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football in Week 6.

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