Olten Downs, a native of Columbus, Georgia, and graduate of Shaw High School, was named an assistant coach in January 2017 and is in his second season with the Eagles on the defensive side of the ball.
In his first season, Downs mentored the safeties on the GS defense, which featured Joshua Moon and RJ Murray. Moon recorded three interceptions and Murray led the defense in tackles with 60.
Downs was the assistant director of player development for the Georgia Bulldogs in 2016 and served as a quality control coordinator with the UGa offense in 2015. Downs was given on-the-field responsibilities with Georgia’s receivers for the TaxSlayer Bowl bowl win over Penn State after a coaching staff change following the 2015 regular season. Georgia won the Liberty Bowl in 2016, defeating TCU in Memphis.
Prior to joining Georgia’s staff, Downs was the head coach at Creekside High School from 2013 to 2014, where he led his team to a Class AAAAA state title in 2013 and two region championships. Eleven of his players at Creekside signed with collegiate teams during his tenure.
In his two years as head coach at Riverdale High School from 2010 to 2012, Downs led the team to its first winning season in five years and first playoff appearance in eight years.
From 2006 to 2010, Downs served as the defensive coordinator at Carver High School. While there, his team earned appearances to the state semifinals every year and a state title in 2007.
Throughout his coaching career, Downs has coached several athletes who have had successful college, and in some cases professional, careers. The players include Jarvis Jones, Gabriel Wright, Corey Crawford, DeQuan Menzie, Elliot and Evan Berry as well as Isaiah Crowell.
Downs, who lettered in football three times at Tennessee State, graduated in 2006 with a degree in political science. In addition, he holds a Master’s of Arts from TSU in special education, which he earned in 2009. He is married to Sharee Downs, and the couple has a son, Cameron Bergeron and a daughter, Sage Downs.
THE DOWNS FILE
Personal
Hometown: Columbus, Ga.
Born: May 11, 1984 in Heidelberg, Germany
Alma Mater: Tennessee State (2006, 2009)
Education: Bachelor’s (political science); Master’s (special education)
Family: wife, Sharee Downs; children, Cameron Bergeron, Sage Downs
Playing Experience
Tennessee State (2002-05)
Coaching Experience
2017-: Georgia Southern (safeties)
2016: Georgia (asst. director, player development)
2015: Georgia (quality control, offense)
2013-14: Creekside (GA) High (head coach)
2010-12: Riverdale (GA) High (head coach)
2006-06: Carver (GA) High (defensive coordinator)
Bowl Experience
2016: Liberty (UGa vs. TCU)
2015: TaxSlayer (UGa vs. Penn State)
