Downing Fired: 2 Mike Vrabel connections for Titans OC job
The moment that fans of the Tennessee Titans have been waiting for has finally come. They have been asking for the Titans to make changes to the offensive coaching staff for quite awhile now. It was clear throughout this season that it just wasn't working. Now, offensive coordinator Todd Downing, offensive line coach Keith Taylor, […]
The moment that fans of the Tennessee Titans have been waiting for has finally come.
They have been asking for the Titans to make changes to the offensive coaching staff for quite awhile now. It was clear throughout this season that it just wasn't working.
Now, offensive coordinator Todd Downing, offensive line coach Keith Taylor, and offensive skill assistant Erik Frazier have all been relieved of their duties.
The decision to move on from Downing isn't very surprising.
He had a strong relationship with players and Mike Vrabel, but the on-field product just was not good enough. Additionally, his actions off of the field did not help his situation.
Regardless, the Titans are now in a pivotal spot.
They must make multiple smart hires in order to get their offense back on track.
Two candidates to replace Downing have strong connections with HC Mike Vrabel already.
One of them is former Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien. The other is current Titans pass-game coordinator Tim Kelly.
Both candidates may not be a fan favorite, but no one should be shocked if they are in the running. Both have tons of NFL experience and a relationship with the franchise already.
O'Brien is currently the offensive coordinator at Alabama.
Before taking that position, he found plenty of success as the HC in Houston before his tenure ended there. The Texans' worst move regarding him was making him their GM as well as head coach towards the end of his time with the team.
With the Titans, that would not be an issue. No team is making that mistake again, and the Titans are interviewing a plethora of impressive candidates for GM.
Overall, O'Brien is a capable offensive mind for the NFL and the type of offense that Tennessee probably wants to run in the near future.
For Kelly, he actually also has a connection with O'Brien. He coached under him for some of his time in Houston.
Kelly was their offensive coordinator from 2019 until early 2022 when the Texans fired he and their HC, David Culley.
Mike Vrabel and the Titans hired him less than a month later to be an assistant.
His elevation to offensive coordinator would be a bit more of a head scratcher considering he did contribute to some of the inefficiencies on offense this season. It wasn't all on Downing.
Regardless, Vrabel trusts him, and the front office clearly thinks he is important since they kept him amidst all of this. He will get a look for the OC job.
The Titans must make the best decision for their short-term and long-term future with their next offensive coordinator.
Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports
