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AP: 75cb81c4-32f8-42fc-b17a-aab0d2692144
Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner answers questions during his introductory news conference at the NFL football team's practice facility in Berea, Ohio Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013. Fired after six seasons as San Diego's coach, Turner is getting a fresh start for the Browns under new coach Rob Chudzkinski, who just three years ago was on Turner's staff with the Chargers. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
listen Listen: Ray Horton, AZ Cardinals' former defensive coordinator
How does he feel about not getting the AZ Cardinals' head coaching job? How does he feel about being released from his contract with the team?

When Ray Horton was a candidate to be the next head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, one of the questions surrounding him was how would he handle the offensive side of the ball.

A defensive coordinator, Horton's strength is stopping teams from scoring -- not getting them into the end zone -- and for a team like Arizona, offensive improvement was the goal of their coaching search.

Well, according to Horton, who took a job as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns last week, he would have been able to land one of the NFL's most respected offensive coordinators in Norv Turner.

"Unequivocally," Horton told Arizona Sports 620's Burns and Gambo Thursday when asked if he could have brought Turner in as part of his staff.

Horton said he spoke with Turner all throughout the process of the coaching search, and he was looking forward to coming to Arizona.

"Yes, and his wife Nancy wanted to come here," Horton said.

Turner, who was recently fired as head coach of the San Diego Chargers, has had great success as an offensive play caller. The 60-year-old took a job as Cleveland's offensive coordinator, where he will be working alongside Horton.

Horton said the Cardinals were aware he would bring Turner in if named the head coach, but understands why the organization decided to go in a different direction. He has no hard feelings towards the franchise, and harbors no ill will.

Still, Horton and Turner should make for an excellent duo on new coach Rob Chudzinki's staff in Cleveland, and it's a combination that could have been formed in the Valley.

"Norv Turner was on Ray Horton's list to come to be the coordinator," Horton said. "We had spoken several times, Norv Turner and I, and he was excited about the opportunity."

Adam Green, Web Content Editor - ArizonaSports.com

11 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    Tom S. wrote...
    Fully Prepared
    to watch the Cards D take a step backwards. They actually sucked against the run, but were very good overall except for quitting in Seatlle. I would take Horton and Turner over Arians and Bowles any day of the year, but I really like the additional OL coaches and potential focus on linemen in the draft.
  • Abuse
    DZAZ99 wrote...
    Arizona didn't hire him....
    Cleveland didn't hire him. Chicago didn't hire him. Buffalo didn't hire him. See a pattern?
  • Abuse
    Ric-Von wrote...
    Oh well
    I actually think the better man got hired for once. It's not like the defense was that great. Yes, it was good. But not great. I'm very excited to see what Arians and his staff can do. I would rather see a hybrid defense, than just this or just that. By the way, we only have one really good LB, and that's D-Wash. The others are just ok.
  • Abuse
    sundevil7901 wrote...
    Horton
    is a standup guy. A Horton/Turner paring in AZ would have been nice, but maybe Horton's just not ready to be a HC yet. He'll get there.
  • Abuse
    kdaddy wrote...
    What a Class Act
    Wow, I am continually impressed with Ray Horton. Best of luck to you sir in Cleveland. I"m sure you will land a head coaching position in the NFL some day.
  • Abuse
    StubbyJ23 wrote...
    Did...
    Cleveland just turn into a contender? With Ray calling D, and we saw how he turned the Cards D around, and Norv calling plays on Offense (which is where the Browns needed most of their help). I think in a year or two the Browns might be fighting for playoff position, maybe not going all the way but still. Things around the League just got ineresting.
  • Abuse
    BirdmanKickedYourAZ wrote...
    DZAZ99
    Cleveland fired their coach. Buffalo fired their coach. Arizona fired their coach. Chicago fired their coach. See a pattern? These franchises don't know how to hire the right coach.
  • Abuse
    DZAZ99 wrote...
    BirdmanKickedYourAZ
    We'll talk when someone hires Horton. There's a reason he's not being hired, even in the worst of franchises. The fact that he speaks about himself in the third person says a lot, at least to me. "Norv Turner was on Ray Horton's list to come to be the coordinator," Horton said. .... yeah wow.
  • Abuse
    Larry B. wrote...
    Maybe
    Maybe Horton could have convinced Turner to come here, but how many newly unemployed coaches are going to slam the door shut on a potential job when they are approached. We have no idea if Turner would have taken the Arizona job if he had to choose between the Cardinals and Browns. And perhaps the Cards didn't want Turner here for some reason.
  • Abuse
    Patrick Peterson's Talent wrote...
    Instead
    Arians got Tom Moore. I'll take him over Norv anyday. And people that speak in the 3rd person are unbelievably disconnected from society (see: Cam Newton)
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