Cleveland Browns Hire Ray Horton to Be New Defensive Coordinator

The Cleveland Browns are putting together a quality coaching staff.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Browns have officially hired former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton to the same position:

"

Browns officially hired former Cardinals DC Ray Horton as their DC.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2013"

Horton had been considered a viable candidate for most head coaching positions, including replacing Ken Whisenhunt at Arizona, who was just hired to be San Diego's offensive coordinator.

If there's anything to take away from the Cardinals' dismal season, it's that Horton's defense ranked 12th in the NFL. Most notably, Arizona was fifth in pass defense, which was a huge concern for Cleveland last season, as the team ranked 25th in the league.

Horton joins a staff that has been completely turned over from last year. Rob Chudzinski takes over as head coach after being the Carolina Panthers' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, and Norv Turner comes from San Diego to be the new offensive coordinator.