Who is Jets play-caller Todd Downing and why was he arrested in 2022?

Just five games into the 2024 season, the New York Jets acted swiftly. With three defeats from those opening five fixtures former head coach Robert Saleh was dismissed, leaving defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to take over as interim head coach.

Ulrich has a storied history with the Jets but has never previously held a head coaching role in the NFL. Nevertheless, he wasted no time in making a key change to the Jets’ offense.

Aaron Rodgers’ long-time play-caller Nathaniel Hackett has been stripped of his duties, replaced by Todd Downing. The 44-year-old is also the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator, working closely with QB Aaron Rodgers since his move to the Jets earlier this year.

There had been some question about how four-time NFL MVP Rodgers would react to the demotion of Hackett, with whom he thrived during their time together at the Green Bay Packers.

“We all are familiar with the relationship [Rodgers] has with Nathaniel,” Ulbrich admitted when the change was announced. “They’re very, very good friends that go back a long way. He understood the decision and he was supportive of the decision. And I’m fortunate for that. So, I talked to him, I talked to a lot of offensive players — and defensive players for that matter — before making this decision.”

What was Todd Downing arrested in 2022?

Downing has now worked for seven different NFL teams in a variety of different coaching roles. He has been a designated quarterbacks coach with the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders and now the Jets, but has also worked with defensive units during his 25-year coaching career.

Prior to the Jets, Downing was offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans but was fired in January 2023 after the Titans finished the season 30th for overall offense and 28th for points scored.

That season was also difficult for Downing on a personal level, arrested for driving offences in November 2022 after a 27-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Downing was arrested and charged with speeding and driving under the influence after officers noted “signs of impairment”.

Downing reportedly served two days at Williamson County jail as a result of the incident but went on to join the Jets in February 2023. Despite his extensive experience in the league, Downing has only spent three seasons at a play-caller. It’s a big decision for Ulbich but there’s an understandable desire to shake things up for Rodgers.