Jets hire ex-Titans OC Todd Downing as passing game coordinator
Todd Downing on prior to the game at Lumen Field on September 19, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. Credit: Getty Images
The Jets have hired Todd Downing as their new passing game coordinator, a league source confirmed.
Downing was fired by the Tennessee Titans as offensive coordinator after the regular season.
The addition of Downing continues an emphasis by Robert Saleh on remaking the offensive staff. Nathaniel Hackett was hired as offensive coordinator, replacing Mike LaFleur, and Keith Carter, who also was fired by the Titans, was hired as offensive line coach.
Downing has ties to two veteran quarterbacks the Jets may have interest in.
He was the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders in 2015-16 and the offensive coordinator in 2017, and Derek Carr went to the Pro Bowl all three of those seasons. The Raiders reportedly will release Carr.
Downing worked with Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee. Tannehill is under contract but also could be released if the Titans, who missed the playoffs, decide to move in a different direction at the position.
Hackett has ties to Aaron Rodgers, with whom he worked in Green Bay. The Jets reportedly have inquired about Rodgers.
The Jets have made it clear that they will pursue a veteran quarterback in the offseason, with owner Woody Johnson saying he “absolutely” would spend big money on a quarterback.
Downing also presumably would have a role in helping to develop Zach Wilson.
Downing was arrested in November on charges of speeding and driving under the influence.
With Al Iannazzone
