-
Turron DavenportESPN
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The Tennessee Titans announced Friday that Shane Bowen and Todd Downing will both be promoted to coordinator positions.
Bowen is promoted as defensive coordinator of his previous title as coach of the lineout balance, while Downing is promoted from a coach to offensive coordinator.
In addition, Luke Steckel is now the coach, Ryan Crow is the coach of the lineout balance and Matt Edwards is the coach of the special team. The team also adds Kenechi Udeze as assistant coach for the defensive line.
“I’ve been evaluating our current staff for the past two weeks and talking to others outside our organization. I’m excited that all these guys are taking the next step with us,” said Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. “Todd has done an excellent job over the last two years and has played an important role in the game planning process every week. I was impressed with the details of his teaching and the production from his group and the offense in general. I am sure he will have some new ideas to implement but the core system will be in place to build on, which I think is important.Shane will take on the dedicated role of coordinator, and Ryan will take over the lineout officers this year and I look forward to him growing in the role.We are going to work hard to improve the side of the ball by improving coaching, 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 the defensive duties for the Titans last season for the Titans, who did not have a defensive coordinator in 2020. Tennessee was first in the revenue gap at plus-11. The Titans were seventh overall with 23, and the team’s 15 distinctions, which also ranked seventh in the league, were the most since 2012 (19).
Despite the team’s ability to come up with its turnover, the defense struggled to reach the passer and posted only 19 sacks last season that finished 30th in the league last season. Overall, the Titans defense was allowed 28th in yards per game.
Downing has 20 years of NFL coaching experience, including one season as offensive coordinator for the Raiders in 2017. Over the past two seasons for the Titans, his team has been responsible for 21 touchdowns, scoring the third highest overall in the NFL among strict end groups.
Downing replaces Arthur Smith, who was named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons earlier this month.