The Cleveland Browns hired Ray Horton as their defensive coordinator on Friday, reprising the role he had with the team in 2013.
Horton, 55, has been an NFL defensive coordinator the past five seasons, including the 2013 season with the Browns and the last two years as coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.
Horton has coached in the NFL the past 22 seasons following a 10-year playing career as a defensive back. As a player and coach, he has made it to the Super Bowl five times, where he has three wins.
“I have always watched Ray from afar,” new Browns head coach Hue Jackson said in a statement Friday. “We have known each other. I have competed against him. I remember my time in Cincinnati competing against him when he was here. The guy is a tremendous football coach. He knows this division. He was raised in this division. He played in this division. He understands what needs to be done to get our defense back to where it needs to be. I wanted somebody that knew the lay of the land and understood the division, understands the culture here and understands the change that we need to make and someone who can lead our young players and develop players to get better.
“His defenses have gone after the quarterback. They have been effective in stopping the run. They had a very good pass defense when he was here. That is what we need to do. We have some of the premier passers in this division when you talk about Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers), Andy Dalton (Bengals) and Joe Flacco (Ravens). We are going to have slow those guys down to have a chance to compete in this division. That is what we expect from our defense.”
Horton spent two seasons (2014-15) as the defensive coordinator for Tennessee. The Titans finished sixth in the NFL in sacks per pass play, seventh in passing yards allowed and eighth in rush average against in 2015. In his first season with the Titans, the team recorded at least one sack by 18 different players, a team record and the most in the NFL in 2014.
Horton orchestrated one of the best defensive turnarounds in Cleveland history. After finishing 23rd in the league in 2012, the Browns ranked ninth in the league in total defense in 2013, marking the team’s best finish since 1994. The Browns limited opponents to an average of 3.9-yards per carry, which ranked eighth in the NFL and marked Cleveland’s best total in 18 years. The Browns’ defense also registered 40 sacks, their most since 2001.
“I am really excited to be back,” Horton said. “I love the fans of Cleveland. When I was here last time they really embraced me. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met Cleveland fans in different cities. It is a great fan base. I am excited to come back and help Coach Jackson win. We haven’t worked together previously, but I think there has been a mutual respect from across the field. It’s one of those things where you appreciate the challenges from matching up against each other from opposite sides of the field.”
Horton also spent two seasons (2011-12) with Arizona as defensive coordinator.
Horton requested a release from his contract in Tennessee and it was granted by Titans president and CEO Steve Underwood. Horton was passed over for the Titans’ head coaching job that went to Mike Mularkey.