Ray Horton hired as Browns defensive coordinator

The Cleveland Browns have officially hired Ray Horton as their new defensive coordinator. Horton left the Arizona Cardinals' after a reportedly heated exchange when the Cardinals hired former Colts offensive coordinator as their new head coach.

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Horton has coached the Cardinals defense to top-15 rankings over the past two seasons and before that he was the secondary coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He reportedly demanded his release from the Cardinals franchise once the team announced that they hired Arians. It didn't take long for the Browns to scoop him up.

Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski said in a press conference today that they are excited about Horton joining the team, as well as new offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

"We are truly excited that we were able to get someone of Ray's caliber as our defensive coordinator," said Browns Head Coach Rob Chudzinski. "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 (Turner), 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."

The Browns have only had a winning record once through the past 10 seasons and are looking to climb out of the basement of the AFC North to compete with the Bengals, Ravens and Steelers.