Defensive Coordinator Ray Horton of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during pre-game warm ups before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on December 30, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo: Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) From the moment the Arizona Cardinals chose Bruce Arians over Ray Horton as their new head coach, it was inevitable Horton would be leaving the organization. It took less than a day for that to happen. Horton, the defensive coordinator, has been released from his contract and is now a free agent, according to a person informed of the team's decision. The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the Cards aren't confirming the firing, said Horton was furious about losing out to Arians. Arizona's defense ranked 12th in the league in yards allowed this past season, which is impressive because the offense didn't give Horton's players enough chances to rest. The person informed of Horton's firing said Arians wants to bring in Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Todd Bowles to replace Horton, who was on the Steelers' staff with Arians from 2004-10. Bowles played for Arians in college at Temple and was on the Cleveland Browns' staff with him from 2001-03. A person briefed on Bowles' status with the Eagles said he has been informed he will be let go by new head coach Chip Kelly. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak for Bowles. Horton will speak to a few teams about their openings at defensive coordinator. The Browns, who interviewed him as a head-coach candidate, are expected to make a strong push for Horton to join Rob Chudzinski's staff.
Source : http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cards/2013/01/18/snubbed-defensive-coordinator-ray-horton-gets-his-release-from-arizona-cardinals/1846055/