History of Todd Downing in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 11, 2024

Todd Downing is an American football coach with extensive experience in the NFL. He currently holds the position of passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the New York Jets. Prior to this, he served as offensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans. His coaching career also includes assistant roles with the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and St. Louis Rams.

July 22, 1980: Birth of Todd Downing

Todd Downing was born on July 22, 1980.

2000: Downing's Semi-Pro Football Debut

Todd Downing began playing quarterback for the Minnesota Maulers, a semi-pro football team, in 2000.

2000: Downing Begins Coaching Journey

Todd Downing kicked off his coaching career in 2000 as a 9th grade B team offensive coach at Eden Prairie High School, where he contributed to the Eagles' victory in the Class 5A state title against Matt Birk's Cretin Durham Hall Raiders.

2001: Downing's Internship with the Vikings

In 2001, Todd Downing accepted an internship offer from Chad Ostlund in Research and Development for the Minnesota Vikings, marking the beginning of his journey with the team.

2002: Downing's Impact on Raiders' Quarterbacks

As quarterbacks coach for the Raiders from 2015 to 2016, Downing's coaching played a significant role in Derek Carr's success, helping him achieve impressive stats and two Pro Bowl appearances. Carr's Pro Bowl selection was the first for a Raiders quarterback since 2002.

2002: Downing's Continued Success with the Maulers

By 2002, Downing had helped the Maulers reach three consecutive championship games.

2002: Public Relations Internship

In 2002, Downing took on the role of a Public Relations intern for the Minnesota Vikings, expanding his experience within the organization.

2003: Transition to Football Systems Analyst

From 2003 to 2004, Downing served as a football systems analyst for the Minnesota Vikings.

2005: Offensive Quality Control Coach

In 2005, Downing furthered his coaching career as an offensive quality control coach for the Minnesota Vikings.

2006: Downing Joins the St. Louis Rams

In 2006, Downing was hired by the St. Louis Rams as both a defensive assistant and special teams assistant coach, a position he would hold for two seasons.

2009: Downing's Move to the Detroit Lions

Joining Scott Linehan's team, Todd Downing was hired by the Detroit Lions as an offensive quality control coach in 2009.

2010: Assistant Quarterback Coach

In 2010, Downing was promoted to the position of assistant quarterback coach for the Detroit Lions.

2011: Quarterbacks Coach

Downing's dedication and expertise led to his promotion to the quarterbacks coach role for the Detroit Lions in 2011.

2014: Quarterback Coach for the Buffalo Bills

In 2014, Downing continued his coaching career as the quarterback coach for the Buffalo Bills.

January 20, 2015: Pro Football Focus Quarterbacks Coach of the Year

Downing's exceptional coaching skills were recognized on January 20, 2015, when he was named Quarterbacks Coach of the Year by Pro Football Focus.

2017: Promotion to Offensive Coordinator

Downing was promoted to the position of offensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders in 2017 following the departure of Bill Musgrave.

January 1, 2018: Dismissal from the Oakland Raiders

Downing's tenure with the Oakland Raiders came to an end on January 1, 2018, when he, along with head coach Jack Del Rio and the rest of the coaching staff, was fired due to the team's disappointing performance.

February 19, 2018: Return to the Minnesota Vikings

On February 19, 2018, Downing rejoined the Minnesota Vikings, initially taking on the role of a senior offensive assistant.

January 26, 2019: Downing Joins the Tennessee Titans

Todd Downing was hired by the Tennessee Titans on January 26, 2019, to serve as their tight ends coach under head coach Mike Vrabel.

January 29, 2021: Promotion to Offensive Coordinator for the Titans

Following Arthur Smith's departure, Downing was promoted to the offensive coordinator position for the Tennessee Titans on January 29, 2021.

November 2022: DUI Arrest

In November 2022, Downing faced legal trouble when he was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) while returning from a game.

January 9, 2023: Dismissal from the Tennessee Titans

On January 9, 2023, Downing was let go from his position as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans due to the team's offensive struggles.

February 13, 2023: Joining the New York Jets

Downing joined the New York Jets on February 13, 2023, as their passing game coordinator, working under head coach Robert Saleh.

February 20, 2024: Expanded Role with the Jets

On February 20, 2024, Downing's responsibilities with the New York Jets increased as he was promoted to passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach after Rob Calabrese's departure.

October 10, 2024: Taking Over Play-Calling Duties

On October 10, 2024, Downing was given the responsibility of play-calling for the New York Jets by interim Head Coach Jeff Ulbrich, following the dismissal of Robert Saleh.