Ray Horton hired by Tennessee Titans
Ray Horton instructs his players during training camp at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
It was reported earlier this week that the Tennessee Titans were expected to hire Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton as their DC and San Diego Chargers tight ends coach Jason Michael as their offensive coordinator, and Ken Whisenhunt has done just that. After hiring Michael yesterday, CBS Sports’s Jason La Canfora reports that the Titans have hired Horton.
Both Horton and Michael have worked under Whisenhunt before, as Horton was Whiz’s defensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals and was also the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive backs coach back when Whisenhunt was the offensive coordinator of the Steelers. Both guys clearer know each other well, and Whisenhunt also has a good working relationship with Michael, whom he worked with last season. Michael isn’t as big of a name as Horton and isn’t as touted as Horton, but he did a great job in San Diego and is very much an up-and-comer.
Ray Horton is a dream catch for the Titans, and the Browns are going to have to look to replace both coordinators with Norv Turner set to leave for the Minnesota Vikings. Unlike the division rival Cincinnati Bengals, the Browns don’t have a stable situation at head coach in order to help them move forward while they try to replace both coordinators.
The Titans did an incredible job of stealing away Whisenhunt, who was the best head coach on the open market and was heavily favored to pick the Detroit Lions, and their new head coach has done a great job of assembling his staff. With Whisenhunt and someone he is familiar with running the offense and Horton running the defense, the Titans could be set if they can find a franchise QB and get an upgrade at DE and/or LB.