The Browns have hired Hue Jackson as their new head coach and now they have to go through the process of filling out his coaching staff.
Their first choice for defensive coordinator may not be available, however. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Jackson would like Titans defensive coordinator Ray Horton to come to Cleveland to fill the same role, but that it is uncertain whether the Titans will grant him permission to leave. Teams can block assistants under contract from making moves to any position with another team other than head coach.
That decision may be in limbo because the Titans haven’t picked their own head coach yet. Interim coach Mike Mularkey is reportedly a strong candidate to get the job on a permanent basis and a decision to stand pat on that front might make Horton’s return more likely.
If Horton does end up making the move, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s served as the Browns’ defensive coordinator. He held the job during the 2013 season and moved to Tennessee after the Browns fired head coach Rob Chudzinski after one season in the job.