
Ray Horton, NFL veteran defensive coach, has joined the USFL family, taking on the role of Head Coach for the Pittsburgh Maulers. Horton will immediately take over all duties from Kirby Wilson. Wilson, who led the Maulers to an abysmal 1-9 record last season, resigned.
Horton, who won two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an assistant coach, will have his first opportunity to take on a head coaching role in the upcoming USFL season. His son, Jarren Horton, was and will remain the Defensive Coordinator for the Maulers.
“I’m humbled to join the USFL as the new Pittsburgh Maulers Head Coach. 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.”
-Ray Horton, Maulers Head Coach
In 1983, Ray Horton was drafted by the USFL’s Los Angeles Express but ultimately played for the Cincinnati Bengals, where he was drafted 53rd overall. He won a Super Bowl as a player on the 1992 Dallas Cowboys. After his 10-year playing career, he turned to coaching. He has been a part of multiple NFL coaching staffs, most recently with the (now) Washington Commanders, as the defensive backs coach in 2019.

The Former Super Bowl Champion left a strong impression after being interviewed for the Coach Selection Committee. Once Kirby Wilson announced his retirement unexpectedly, Horton got the first call to fill the vacancy. Wilson’s statement below:
“Due to personal reasons, it is with a heavy heart that I have resigned as head coach of the Pittsburgh Maulers. I want to thank the USFL, Daryl Johnston and the football support staff, but especially my assistant coaches and players. I had a wonderful experience during the history-making first year of the USFL. I will be forever grateful and forever a fan of this professional league. Thank you for believing in me and for providing an opportunity!”
-Kirby Wilson