Ray Horton’s awkward situation in Arizona unlikely to last long

Ray Horton was thought to be a leading contender for the Arizona Cardinals’ head coaching job. At least, Horton, who served as the team’s defensive coordinator the past two seasons, apparently thought he was.

But the job was given to former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator/interim head coach Bruce Arians on Thursday night, reportedly leaving Horton flabbergasted and fuming.

And probably out of a job.

According to multiple sources, Horton will probably be replaced by Philadelphia defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who isn’t expected to keep his job under new Eagles Coach Chip Kelly.

Horton’s exit may have happened regardless, even before what Arizona sports talk radio host Mike Jurecki described as “heated exchange” between Horton and General Manager Steven Keim after Arians got the nod.

Jurecki tweeted Thursday: “In his meeting w/ Steve Keim, Horton felt he was misled during the hiring process & wanted out his contract” and “I was told once Horton didn’t get the HC gig he wasn’t going to be around regardless, it would have been awkward situation.”

Both Horton and Bowles are still under contract with their current teams. But if he ends up out of a job, Horton, like Bowles, isn’t likely to stay unemployed for long. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer tweeted Friday morning: “#Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said DC set to be hired soon. It will most likely be Cardinals Ray Horton.”

Can’t imagine why they call it a coaching carousel.

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