Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing speaks out after ‘devastating’ DUI arrest

Tennessee Offensive coordinator Todd Downing said Wednesday he can’t think of anything he’s faced “much harder” in his career than what he’s dealing with now, and the problem is entirely his own fault.

Downing is busy preparing for Sunday’s game with Cincinnati (6-4) in a rematch of the divisional playoff game the Titans lost as No. 1 in the AFC in January, pending the fallout from the arrest on November 18 for speeding and drunk driving hours after a big win in Green Bay.

“It’s devastating that my actions or anything I’m involved in could ever bring negative attention or distraction to this organization, to the owner Miss Amy (Adams Strunk) and to the front office and obviously coach (Mike) Vrabel,” Downing said.

Addressing reporters on his usual weekly availability, the dispatcher began speaking about his arrest at nearly three minutes, though he avoided details of the incident in which he eventually left the Williamson County Jail on $2,500 bail.

Downing was arrested shortly after the Titans returned from beating the Packers last Thursday

“I understand what a sensitive and distressing subject this is, and I’m not naive as to how much pain there can be for some people involved in similar situations,” Downing said.

He also apologized to his wife and son for “doing things to them that they don’t deserve.”

Downing said he knows there are many questions and people want answers to what led the Tennessee Highway Patrol to arrest him hours after the Titans defeated the Packers 27-17 in Green Bay. The NFL does not allow alcohol on team flights, buses or team facilities.

“Unfortunately, due to the situation, I can’t discuss much of that (event) and at the right time and when it’s appropriate, I’ll answer all the questions I can,” Downing said.

Downing has received criticism for its lack of offensive production and consistency

Downing has been a target of heavy criticism throughout his two seasons, especially this year when the Titans entered the Green Bay game last in the NFL, managing just 281.7 yards per game.

The Titans (7-3) turned in their best offensive performance this season, winning for the seventh time in eight games. The team could punish the coordinator before the charges are legally resolved or the NFL decides on any discipline.

Vrabel said Tuesday that the Titans are waiting for “everything to play out.” That may include discipline from the NFL as well as the legal process.

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel (L) said the organization is waiting for the legal process to be finalized

Downing did say he was aware of the Titans making rides available to everyone in the organization. The dispatcher declined to answer why he didn’t take that opportunity, saying, “I can’t go into the details of that night.”

The dispatcher also refused to answer if he drank on the team plane returning from Wisconsin or in the team facility. One report stated that Downing had told troopers that his family had received death threats. When asked if he had reported those threats to authorities, he said he couldn’t talk about that right now.

“I understand there are a lot of questions and I wish I could explain everything, but I can’t comment on what happened that night right now,” Downing said.