The Tennessee Titans promote Shane Bowen, Todd Downing to DC, OC

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

Bowen is elevated to the position of defensive coordinator in his previous title as an outside defender, while Downing has been promoted from head-to-head coach to offensive coordinator.

In addition, Luke Steckel is now the head coach, Ryan Crow is the back coach and Matt Edwards is the assistant coach of the special teams. The team also adds Kenechi Udeze as assistant coach in the defensive line.

“We’ve spent the last two weeks evaluating our current staff 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 amazing job over the last two years and has played an important role in the game planning process every week. I was impressed by the details of his teaching and the production of his group and offense in general. I’m sure it will have some new ideas to implement, but the basic system will be developed, which I think is important. Shane will take on the role of coordinator, Ryan will take over those accompanying him this year, and I look forward to growing in that role. We will work hard to improve that part of the ball through a better coach, improving our system and our players. I like the group we have in the defensive team and I am confident that we will improve “.

Bowen handled defensive play last season for the Titans, who did not have a defensive coordinator on staff in 2020. Tennessee ranked first in the turnover difference at plus-11. The Titans ranked seventh in the standings with 23, and the team’s 15 interceptions, which also ranked seventh in the league, were the most after the 2012 franchise (19).

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

Downing has 20 years of experience as an NFL coach, including a season as offensive coordinator for the Raiders in 2017. In the last two seasons for the Titans, his group has had 21 touchdowns, equaling for the third-highest total in NFL among the tightest end groups.

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