Browns plan to fire defensive coordinator Ray Horton

The Cleveland Browns are planning on firing defensive coordinator Ray Horton, according to Alex Marvez of SiriusXM NFL Radio.

To fill the position, the Browns have reached out to Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

Horton’s defense struggled throughout the entire 2016 season. That unit could not clog up rushing lanes or generate enough pressure on the opposing quarterback. Cleveland had the 31st-ranked defense overall and was 30th in scoring defense.

Horton was previously the Browns’ defensive coordinator in 2013 and turned that unit around quickly. The Browns were ninth in total defense that season, but Horton left to become the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans after Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski was fired.

Phillips is currently unemployed because the Broncos haven’t hired a new head coach following Gary Kubiak’s retirement. Just last season, he orchestrated a Denver defense that led the team to a Super Bowl Victory.

Phillips knows who he wants to coach for and could still end up sticking with Denver:

Williams, who joined the Rams in 2014, coached up one of the most ferocious defenses in the NFL. Los Angeles has one of the best front sevens, and this defense was a top-10 unit in 2016.

Even though the Browns reached out to Williams, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Rams are hoping to keeping their defensive unit intact.

Williams is a successful defensive coordinator, but he was also suspended for the entire 2012 season for his involvement in the New Orleans Saints’ Bountygate scandal. The Browns may not hire Phillips or Williams, but anything is possible at this juncture.

Other staffing changes could be coming soon.

“I am going to take a look at it all,” Jackson said. “Our staff worked extremely hard this year, but I think as being one of the leaders with these men here, we have to go back and look at it all and see how we can get better. That is truly our charge — how can we get this organization better in all areas as we move forward?”

After a 1-15 season, Jackson is doing what any good head coach would do. He is making changes on his staff.