Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing got himself in big trouble this past week when he was arrested for DUI and speeding after Tennessee’s Week 11 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Since then, fans and media alike have wondered if Downing’s awful decision, which could result in discipline from the league, would cost him his job with the Titans.
On Tuesday, head coach Mike Vrabel made it clear that the Titans will move forward with Downing as the offensive coordinator, but he also noted things could change depending on how the legal process plays out, and what the league’s decision looks like.
Mike Vrabel says the #Titans will continue to move forward with Todd Downing as their offensive coordinator but does say that could change pending the legal process and the NFL's decision.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) November 22, 2022
Mike Vrabel on the status of #Titans OC Todd Downing. pic.twitter.com/eYZEphwUJL
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) November 22, 2022
Vrabel had this to say about Downing’s arrest last Friday:
“We all have a great responsibility as members of this community,” Vrabel said. “It’s something we are going to take very seriously, gather all the information we can and do our best to move forward. I don’t think discouraged is the word to describe it.”
Chances are if Downing is disciplined, it won’t happen until after this season, as the legal process always takes time to play out and the league doesn’t typically make disciplinary decisions beforehand.
So that means Downing is likely safe the rest of this season, barring even more damaging details about his arrest coming out. As far as next year is concerned, all bets are off.
Downing has yet to publicly say anything about his arrest, but the offensive coordinator should be doing his weekly presser in the next day or two. We’ll certainly cover that when it happens, so stay tuned.