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Ray Horton to be Ken Whisenhunt's DC with Titans

Published: Jan 18, 2014 at 01:44 AM

Kevin Patra

Around the NFL Writer

Ray Horton is on track to reunite with his old boss Ken Whisenhunt.

The Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator is Whisenhunt's choice to take over the DC duties for the Tennessee Titans, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday, according to people informed of the Browns' thinking. The Plain Dealer first reported the move.

Horton and the Browns still are negotiating the terms of his buyout, Rapoport reported. The hire won't be official until Tuesday, when league offices open. The Titans will inherit the three remaining years on the four-year contract Horton signed in 2013. The Browns are working on offset value.

The 53-year-old Horton is a well-respected defensive mind. He spent 2011 and 2012 as Whisenhunt's defensive coordinator in Arizona. The two also were on staff together in Pittsburgh from 2004 to '06, before Whiz left for Arizona.

Horton interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings head-coaching position this offseason. The job ultimately went to former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

In 2013, Horton coached the Browns to No. 9 in total defense and No. 8 against the pass. He will inherit some solid secondary pieces in Tennessee. It will be interesting to see how he incorporates the Titans' previous 4-3 personnel into his 3-4 scheme.

Whisenhunt previously had targeted Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler to fill the coordinator role, but he wouldn't leave Pittsburgh, according to Rapoport.

We previewed Championship Sunday and sat down with Rams star Robert Quinn in the latest "Around The League Podcast."

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