Tennessee Titans Promote Shane Bowen and Todd Downing at DC, OC Jobs

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The Tennessee Titans announced Friday that Shane Bowen and Todd Downing will both be promoted to coordinators.

Bowen is elevated to defensive coordinator after his previous title as outside linebacker coach, while Downing has been promoted from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator.

In addition, Luke Steckel is now the tight ends coach, Ryan Crow is the outside linebackers coach and Matt Edwards is the assistant special teams coach. The team also adds Kenechi Udeze as an assistant defensive line coach.

“I have spent the past two weeks evaluating our current staff and speaking with others outside of our organization. I’m thrilled that all of these guys are taking the next step with us, ”said Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. “Todd has done a great job with tight ends over the past two years and has been instrumental in the planning process for the game every week. I was impressed with the details of his teaching and the production of his group and the offense in general. I’m sure he will have some new ideas to implement, but the basic system will be in place to build on, which I think is important. Shane will move on to the dedicated role of coordinator, with Ryan taking over this year as the outside linebackers, and I look forward to him growing up in that role. We are going to work hard to improve this side of the ball through better training, improving our system and our players. I like the group we have in the defensive staff and I am confident that we will improve. “

Bowen handled defensive play-call duties last season for the Titans, who did not have a defensive coordinator on staff in 2020. Tennessee ranked first in revenue difference to over -11. The Titans were seventh in the overall takeaway standings with 23, and the team’s 15 interceptions, also seventh in the league, were the franchise’s strongest since 2012 (19).

Despite the team’s ability to make turnovers, the defense struggled to reach the passer, posting just 19 sacks last season, which placed 30th in the league last season. Overall, the Titans’ defense ranked 28th in yards allowed per game.

Downing has 20 years of coaching experience in the NFL, including one season as an offensive coordinator for the Raiders in 2017. In the last two seasons for the Titans, his group has accounted for 21 touchdowns, which tied for the third most top NFL total among tight end groups.

Downing replaces Arthur Smith, who was named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons earlier this month.