The Jets made a notable move when they hired Nathaniel Hackett as their new offensive coordinator. Another key addition has reportedly been made to their staff. 
New York is hiring Todd Downing to serve as their passing game coordinator, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). He meets head coach Robert Saleh‘s previously stated goal of adding an experienced offensive staffer, something not accomplished by hiring Hackett as OC. The latter’s stint as head coach of the Broncos led to his dismissal before his rookie HC campaign ended, and did not see him retain play-calling duties throughout his tenure.
Downing, 42, spent the past two seasons as the Titans’ offensive coordinator. Tennessee kept him in place following his November DUI charge, but fired him at the end of the season. The Titans ranked near the bottom of the NFL in terms of both total and scoring offense in 2022, as running back Derrick Henry was less effective than usual and the team struggled to generate consistent production in the passing game.
Tennessee has since promoted Tim Kelly to their OC position, but Downing was quickly able to find his next NFL gig. The latter has plenty of familiarity with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, given their time spent together in Nashville. Prior to that, Downing also worked as the QBs coach, and later offensive coordinator, of the Raiders. That allowed him to spend time with Derek Carr, who is expected to hit free agency in the coming days and be a target of the Jets. New York is in the market for an upgrade under center, and Downing would be a familiar face to those two passers should an Aaron Rodgers acquisition not come to fruition.
Downing will join offensive line coach Keith Carter, who also made the move from Tennessee to New York upon Hackett’s hiring. Downing worked with the latter in Buffalo in 2014, so he will provide not only experience but familiarity as well, as the new-look Jets staff aims for a step forward on offense in 2023.
Todd Downing is reported to be bringing in a coach to help receivers maintain focus and increase the number of catches per target.
Catching Coordinator = Brian Downing
Jets are really Downing their chances of success next year, there’s no way this offensive part of the coaching staff is gonna be able to Hackett.
Where’s the rimshot emoji when you really need it?
Best part is, it’s not even just a pun, it’s true. Just when you think the Jets are becoming a competent organization, they bring in the two men responsible for two of the worst offenses in the league last year, to revamp their’s.
Trading multiple 1sts for Rodgers and then wasting that 1-2 year window on Hackett and Downing would be a Jets All Time Classic.