Cleveland Browns hire ex-Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton

CLEVELAND - Just after the Arizona Cardinals released him from his contract, defensive coordinator Ray Horton has a new job.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Friday the Cleveland Browns officially hired Horton, which the team confirmed moments later. Horton was passed over for the Cardinals head coaching job for Bruce Arians, who led the Colts during Chuck Pagano’s cancer treatment.

“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, in a news release on Friday. “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."

The new-look Browns already named Ohio native and Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Chudzinski as head coach, and enlisted Ex-Chargers coach Norv Turner to run the offense. Also on Friday, Cleveland hired Michael Lombardi as the Vice President of Player Personnel.

“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," Chudzinski said.

The Arizona defense was ranked 12th in the league for yards allowed. Horton replaces Dick Jauron.

Horton's coaching history:

- 1994-96: Washington Redskins, assistant defensive backs/defensive assistant coach
- 1997-2001: Cincinnati Bengals, defensive backs coach
- 2002-03: Detroit Lions, defensive backs coach
- 2004-10: Pittsburgh Steelers, defensive backs/assistant defensive backs coach
- 2011-12: Arizona Cardinals, defensive coordinator