USFL Hires Ray Horton as Pittsburgh Maulers Head Coach

Super Bowl champion and veteran NFL defensive coach assumes duties from former head coach Kirby Wilson

PITTSBURGH  (Jan. 17, 2023) – The USFL today announced that NFL veteran defensive coach Ray Horton has been hired to lead the Pittsburgh Maulers. He immediately assumes duties from Head Coach Kirby Wilson who resigned earlier this month.

We are thrilled Ray Horton is joining the USFL family as the new Pittsburgh Maulers Head Coach,” said Daryl Johnston, Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “He helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls as an assistant coach, so Pittsburgh football fans know him. He also won a Super Bowl as a player and my teammate on the 1992 Dallas Cowboys. Ray is a great leader and an even better person, and I’m excited to be teammates with him once again.”

Horton, 62, gets his first opportunity as a professional football head coach. Leading the Pittsburgh franchise also makes it a family affair, as his son Jarren Horton will remain Defensive Coordinator for the Maulers during the upcoming USFL Season 2.

I’m humbled to join the USFL as the new Pittsburgh Maulers Head Coach,” said Horton. “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 stay focused on delivering a USFL championship to Pittsburgh Maulers fans.”

Born in Tacoma, Wash., Horton’s life has revolved around the game of football. A legendary 1970’s prep All-American player, he stayed home as a defensive back and special teams returner for the University of Washington. In 1983, Horton was drafted by the USFL Los Angeles Express, but ultimately played for the NFL Cincinnati Bengals who drafted him with the 53^rd overall pick. After a stellar 10-year career with the Bengals and Cowboys, Horton turned immediately…