1. Quarterbacks coach Todd Downing started as a PR intern with the Minnesota Vikings.
2. Coach Downing had never worked with Raiders Head Coach Jack Del Rio prior to joining the Silver and Black, but he did get his first NFL job with the Vikings when Raiders offensive line coach Mike Tice was the head coach in Minnesota.
3. Coach Downing's high school coach was Mike Grant, son of Hall of Fame Vikings coach Bud Grant.
4. During the summers of 2000-02, he played quarterback for a semi-pro team, the Minnesota Maulers.
5. Coach Downing likes to play golf and fish, as well as spend quality time with his three-year-old son.
6. The California weather is a welcome change for Coach Downing who grew up in Minnesota, coached in his home state and then went on to St. Louis, Detroit and Buffalo.