Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is now in the same role with the New England Patriots. Vrabel's departure from the Titans was due in part to his loyalty to his assistant coaches, undeserved in some cases. He just proved stubbornness remains at the forefront of his coaching style.
The Patriots hired former Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing to be their wide receivers coach. By our count, Downing is the ninth former Titans staffer to join Vrabel in Foxborough, joining John Streicher, Tony Dews, Terrell Williams, Ryan Cowden, Zak Kuhr, Clinton McMillan, Jason Houghtailing, and Scott Booker. A 10th was already on staff in special teams coach Tom Quinn, who Vrabel is retaining.
Despite another Titans hire (Todd Downing as WRs coach), concerns over Patriots offensive staffing don't hold waterhttps://t.co/KnQi3Pg8al
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) February 3, 2025
Downing will be by far Vrabel's most controversial appointment however. Some of the above staffers are outstanding, Streicher, Dews, Williams, and Cowden included. The argument against Downing is an easy one however.
Downing joined Vrabel's staff as the tight ends coach in 2019. After two campaigns in that role, he was elevated to replace Arthur Smith, who became the Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach. Downing spent two brutal seasons as the Titans' OC.
The Titans fielded a bottom 10 passing offense, but finished 17th in overall offense and 15th in points scored. Things got significantly worse in 2022. Downing was arrested for an alleged driving under the influence incident on November 22. It occurred hours after the Titans defeated the Green Bay Packers on primetime, improving their record to 7-3.
Vrabel declined opportunities to dismiss Downing in-season despite his serious offence. The Titans didn't win another game that season, squandering an AFC South lead by losing seven consecutive contests to finish 7-10. Downing was relieved of his duties at the conclusion of the season after his offense finished 30th overall and 28th in points scored (17.5 per game).
Downing spent the 2023 campaign as the New York Jets' passing game coordinator. He doubled as the QB coach in 2024, and was later the play-caller when the Jets made in-season coaching changes. Their offense did not improve with Downing calling plays.
It's worth acknowledging Downing is probably better suited to be a position coach. He's never coached receivers exclusively, but he does possess aforementioned experience with tight ends and quarterbacks. The Patriots currently have a lackluster wide receiver room, and desperately require upgrades in the offseason.
At least Vrabel isn't entrusting him with offensive play-calling this time around.