Cardinals, Cowboys could wrangle over Ray Horton

Ray Horton is in Arizona today where he will interview to become the defensive coordinator for the Cardinals, the position coach Ken Whisenhunt has been waiting patiently to fill.

Right now, it looks like Horton is the top choice for the Cardinals, who were denied permission to speak with Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler. Horton just completed the final year of his contract, so he’s free to pursue other opportunities.

Where it will become interesting is if the Dallas Cowboys make a strong push for Butler. Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reported Tuesday that the Cowboys are interested in hiring Horton as their defensive backs coach. If they were to sweeten their offer with a title of assistant head coach, then it could get interesting.

Surely, a veteran assistant like Horton is anxious for a possible promotion, but he’s a former Cowboys player and won a ring with the franchise in Super Bowl XXVII. So, if Horton isn’t signed, sealed and delivered for the Cardinals later today or on Thursday, this could turn into a bidding war. Stay tuned.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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