NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mike Vrabel will soon hire a tight ends coach, as he is elevating Todd Downing to replace Arthur Smith as the Titans' offensive coordinator, Tom Pelissero reports and I've confirmed.
Downing was hired in 2019 to replace Smith when he was elevated to replace Matt LaFleur as the team’s offensive play-caller. Now, with Smith the new coach in Atlanta, Downing will be Tennessee's third play-called in four seasons.
Vrabel's move again provides the Titans with continuity.
Downing spent 2015-2017 with the Raiders and was their offensive coordinator in the final year of the Jack Del Rio regime.
That offense was not especially good: 18th overall, 16th in passing, 25th in rushing and 23rd in points averaging 18.8.
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But judging coordinators on one-season statistics of the offense or defense they oversaw is not a generally cut-and-dried proposition.
Under Downing, the Titans' tight ends have continued to thrive. Jonnu Smith got off to a big offensive start with five receiving touchdowns in his first five games.
Once Taylor Lewan went down with a torn ACL, Smith, Anthony Firkser, MyCole Pruitt and Geoff Swaim all took on more blocking responsibilities to help out Ty Sambrailo and then David Quessenberry.
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