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Sports

Browns name Horton defensive coordinator

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Berea, OH – The Cleveland Browns made Ray Horton their new defensive coordinator on Friday.

Horton thought he was in position to become the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, after he spent the previous two seasons (2011-12) as the team's defensive coordinator.

However, the Cardinals decided to make Bruce Arians head coach on Thursday, which reportedly led to a heated exchange between Horton and general manager Steve Keim.

Horton replaces Dick Jauron, who was Cleveland's defensive coordinator the past two seasons.

This past season, Horton guided a defensive unit that led the NFL in passer rating allowed (71.2). His defense also ranked second in the NFL in interceptions (22) and third-down efficiency (32.9 percent).

Cleveland ranked 23rd in total defense in 2012.

"As we've said before, an important factor in hiring Rob was our confidence in him being able to put together a top-quality staff," said Browns CEO Joe Banner. "He has assembled an extremely impressive group of coaches, and that will be very beneficial as we develop our players."

Prior to his time in Arizona, Horton spent seven seasons (2004-10) as the defensive backs/assistant defensive backs coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He started his coaching career in Washington, where he served as assistant defensive backs/defensive assistant for three seasons (1994-96). He then made two stops as defensive backs coach with the Cincinnati Bengals (1997-2001) and Detroit Lions (2002-03), before landing in Pittsburgh.