The New England Patriots struggled on offense as a unit last season. The passing and receiving both averaged less than 200 yards per game, which was last in the NFL in 2024. To help with that, new head coach Mike Vrabel hired Todd Downing as the team's new wide receivers coach.
Downing made a career for himself starting as an intern for the Minnesota Vikings from 2001-2004 in research and development, public relations, and as a football systems analyst. In 2005, he became the offensive quality coach for the Vikings.
After working his way up to a position coach with the Vikings, Downing bounced around the NFL as a positional coach, holding many different positions in the league:
- St. Louis Rams, Defensive coach (2006-2008)
- Detroit Lions, Offensive quality & quarterbacks, (2009-2013)
- Buffalo Bills, Quarterbacks (2014)
- Oakland Raiders, quarterbacks & offensive coordinator (2015-2017)
- Minnesota Vikings, Tight Ends (2018)
- Tennessee Titans, Tight Ends & offensive coordinator (2019-2022)
- New York Jets, passing game coordinator & quarterbacks (2023-2024)
Although Downing has an impressive resume, he’s never worked as a wide receivers coach throughout his career. The main focus in his career has been working with quarterbacks, most notably in Detroit with Matthew Stafford when he averaged just under 5,000 yards and 30 touchdowns from 2011-2013.
Downing was also the QBs coach of the Raiders from 2015-2016, working with Dereck Carr when he threw for just under 8,000 yards and 60 touchdowns during that time.
It's worth mentioning that Downing has called plays during his career, being promoted to offensive play caller with the Raiders in 2017, with the Titans from 2021-2023 and with the Jets last season.
How Will Todd Downing Impact the Wide Receivers in First Season With The Patriots?
That said, what makes him the most qualified to be the wide receivers coach?
In 2019, Vrabel hired Downing to be the tight ends coach in Tennessee. Then Vrabel promoted him to offensive coordinator, so he’s doing something that Vrabel really likes. He’s able to get production out of the groups he works with.
Downing is also connected to the Patriots through newly acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Back in 2018, Downing was hired by Minnesota for another stint with the team as their senior offensive assistant. During that time, Diggs was in his fourth season with the Vikings and had his first 1,000 yard campiagn.
During a media session, Downing talked about the receivers having a “clean slate” this season and said he has one himself:
“I think everybody needs a clean slate when you build a new staff. I’m excited to have a clean slate myself. It gives us an opportunity to just start at the ground level and build it together. Build a foundation the right way. No preconceived notions about who somebody is or what position they play. It gives us all a chance to build a name for ourselves together.”
Downing talked about the wide receivers and how he can help them get open and get the ball with his understanding of what the quarterback is processing:
“I may not be the greatest footwork drill specialist out there. … I know football and I know what it takes to get the receivers open on time. I know what the quarterbacks thinking from a coverage standpoint. I spent a long time coaching quarterbacks and coordinating. So I’ll be approaching this thing with the wide outs like ‘hey, you can get open the wrong way and not get the football, or I can help you get open the right way and get the football.’”
He also mentioned that this is offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ playbook and he’ll do whatever he needs from him.
Downing coaching the wide receivers seems to be the next phase of his coaching career. It's the only passing game position he hasn’t led yet and he’s ready for the opportunity. Although Downing hasn’t coached receivers before, it’s comforting to know that McDaniels is building trust with him and he’s willing to do whatever is asked of him.
Downing is inheriting an up-and-coming receiving group that has a lot to prove. Along with Diggs, the Patriots have veteran Mack Hollins, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker, and Ja’Lynn Polk. This isn't a corps that jumps off the page, so it could present a huge challenge for Downing as he looks to rebuild his stock across the NFL.
However, if New England's wideouts go on to turn heads this season, Downing will reap the rewards.