PITTSBURGH — The USFL announced Tuesday that it has hired veteran NFL defensive coach Ray Horton to lead the Pittsburgh Tigers. He immediately succeeds head coach Kirby Wilson, who resigned earlier this month.
“We are delighted to have Ray Horton join the USFL family as the new Pittsburgh Maulers head coach,” said Executive Vice President of Football Operations Daryl Johnston. “As an assistant coach, he helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls, so Pittsburgh fans know him. He also won a Super Bowl as a player and my teammate with the Dallas Cowboys in 1992. Ray was a great A leader, and a better person, and I’m excited to be teammates with him again.”
Horton, 62, got his first chance as a professional football manager. Leading Pittsburgh has also made it a family affair, as his son Jalen Horton will continue to serve as the Maulers’ defensive coordinator during the upcoming USFL Season 2.
“I’m honored to join the USFL as the new Pittsburgh Tigers head coach,” Horton said. “We’re returning a solid core from one of the best defenses in the league, including all-USFL safety Bryce Torneden and Pittsburgh native Tre Tarpley.” . As we look for the next great quarterback in the USFL, I’m also excited about our returning offensive core. We will continue to focus on delivering the USFL championship to Pittsburgh Tigers fans. “
Horton was born in Tacoma, Washington, and his life has always revolved around the game of football. A legendary 1970s reserve All-American, he stayed home as a defensive back and returning special teams for the University of Washington. In 1983, Horton was drafted by the USFL Los Angeles Express, but ended up playing for the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, who selected him with the 53rd overall pick. Horton turned coach immediately in 1994 after a stellar 10-year career with the Bengals and Cowboys. He held various NFL defensive coaching positions with the Washington Football Team, Bengals, Detroit Lions and Steelers, where he coached teams that won Super Bowls XL and XLIII. He then became defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans. Most recently, he was the defensive backs coach for the 2019 Washington Football Team.
“Like all USFL coaches, Ray’s passion is to help players maximize their talents and become the best players they can be,” Johnston said. “Ray’s experience and expertise will help our players and assistant coaches succeed at the professional level, and I know he will bring an exciting brand of football to Pittsburgh Tigers fans.”
Horton was recently interviewed by the USFL coaching selection committee, which included Johnston, former NFL head coach and current NBC Sports analyst Jason Garrett, NBC Sports executive Jon Miller and Pro Football Hall of Fame general manager Bill Pollyan.
“Coach Horton impressed everyone on the committee, so when Kirby Wilson notified the USFL of his unexpected resignation, Ray was one of the first calls we made,” Johnston said.
Horton replaced Wilson, who had been preparing for the upcoming USFL Season 2 until he informed league officials of his decision.
“It is with a heavy heart that I resign as head coach of the Pittsburgh Tigers for personal reasons,” Wilson said. “I would like to thank the USFL, Daryl Johnston and the football support staff, especially my assistant coaches and players. I had a wonderful experience in my first year making history in the USFL. I will be forever grateful and will always be a fan of this profession League, thank you for your trust in me and for giving me a chance!”
Wilson was a big part of the reason the USFL became the first major professional spring football league in nearly 40 years to successfully complete its first season and return for the second straight year, Johnston said.
“I think on behalf of everyone, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Coach Wilson and everything he has done to help the USFL have a successful first season,” Johnston said. “He was not only the head coach of the Pittsburgh Bulls, but also a mentor to other players, coaches and staff. Kirby Wilson will always hold a special place in our league’s history.”
USFL Season 2 will begin on April 15, 2023.
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