Browns hire Horton as defensive coordinator
The Cleveland Browns named Ray Horton as their defensive coordinator.
Horton served in the same capacity for the Arizona Cardinals for the past two seasons, and interviewed for the Cardinals' head coaching job that went to Bruce Arians on Thursday.
A 10-year player in the NFL, Horton has spent 19 years as coach in the league. He is a disciple of Dick LeBeau, the renowned defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 3-4 scheme. Arizona's defensive led the NFL in passer rating allowed (71.2) and was second with 22 interceptions despite the Cardinals' offensive struggles.
The Browns hired Norv Turner as their offensive coordinator earlier in the week.
"We are truly excited that we were able to get someone of Ray's caliber as our defensive coordinator," Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski said. "He possesses a great deal of experience as a player, position coach and coordinator in the NFL and has been part of some of the top defenses in the league throughout his career. He is an extremely talented coach and I know that he will work very well with the young nucleus of players we have on defense.
"With the additions of Ray and Norv , and also by retaining Chris (Tabor) we believe we have outstanding leaders and teachers in each of our three phases. I feel as though we are off to a great start in our plan of putting together an outstanding coaching staff."
