Horton may have DB Deshea Townsend as assistant

[az jam]

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive backs coach Ray Horton is scheduled to meet with the Cardinals in Arizona on Wednesday to finalize a deal to become the team's defensive coordinator, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Both sides expect to get the deal done, the sources said.

It's also expected that former Steelers defensive back Deshea Townsend will be hired as an assistant under Horton, sources said.

The Cardinals were reportedly interested in Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler, but were denied permission to talk to him, the Arizona Republic reported. It was the second time in three seasons the Cardinals had sought Butler.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt is the Steelers' former offensive coordinator.

The Cardinals fired former defensive coordinator Bill Davis last month after a disappointing 5-11 season in which Arizona was ranked 29th in overall defense and 30th in points allowed out of the league's 32 teams.

 

[az jam]

It will be interesting if Horton is allowed to bring in some of his own assistants. As we all know Whisenhunt was "forced" to keep Pendergast. If we are to rebuild the defense Horton should be given a free hand.

 

[joeshmo]

It will be interesting if Horton is allowed to bring in some of his own assistants. As we all know Whisenhunt was "forced" to keep Pendergast. If we are to rebuild the defense Horton should be given a free hand.

It will be interesting if they bring him in to replace Henderson or if they keep both and Townsend is a true "assistant". That means we are willing to pay for an extra coach to hire Horton, which is what I think is the case here. It also means that we might alredy have a DB coach in training when Hendersons contract ends next year or if and when he retires.

It is also a good idea to bring in one of your guys to help with new D installation. It is no different then an new OC that brings in a 3rd string QB that has already worked in their system.

 

[MoeIsBetter]

It will be interesting if they bring him in to replace Henderson or if they keep both and Townsend is a true "assistant". That means we are willing to pay for an extra coach to hire Horton, which is what I think is the case here. It also means that we might alredy have a DB coach in training when Hendersons contract ends next year or if and when he retires.

It is also a good idea to bring in one of your guys to help with new D installation. It is no different then an new OC that brings in a 3rd string QB that has already worked in their system.

Agreed. We shouldn't forget either that Deshea played for Pitt when Whiz coached offense there. The only reason Bryant McFadden was brought in was to show DRC how to prepare in the film room. Maybe Deshea is in that same boat. DRC did go on record and say he didn't understand coverages this year.

 

[binkar]

Agreed. We shouldn't forget either that Deshea played for Pitt when Whiz coached offense there. The only reason Bryant McFadden was brought in was to show DRC how to prepare in the film room. Maybe Deshea is in that same boat. DRC did go on record and say he didn't understand coverages this year.

I don't think this is true. You don't bring in a guy, make him your starter, and pay him a bit of money to have him teach a guy how to prepare in the film room. They expected McFadden to be a solid starting CB, and for us, he wasn't.

 

[PDXChris]

SB_MikeMay Mike May
by Cardschatter
Deshea Townsend played for the Colts last year.drafted in 98 by the Steelers, is currently a FA. Not officially retired yet @Cardschatter
1 hour ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Interesting. He is a young guy.

 

[joeshmo]

Interesting. He is a young guy.

He will be 36 this September. So looks like a natural time to make transition to coaching.

He was also one of the best blitzing CB's that I can remember.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

He will be 36 this September. So looks like a natural time to make transition to coaching.

He was also one of the best blitzing CB's that I can remember.

Might I add he had "lost a step" by the time he got to Pittsburgh, but his knowledge of the game kept him competitive.

Good pick up, IMO. Now can he explain what he was thinking on the field to other players in the question.

 

[PDXChris]

mikejurecki Mike Jurecki
Adam Schefter reporting that Deshea Townsend is the guy- Cards DB Coach Donnie Henderson signed only a 1 yr deal last yr & could B out.
1 hour ago Favorite Retweet Reply
»
Mike Jurecki
mikejurecki Mike Jurecki
Birdseed' Normally when a Coordinator is hired they usually bring a coach w/ them or have the authority to recommend one.
1 hour ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Looks like Henderson may be done.

 

[Mulli]

Looks like Henderson may be done.

I hope he left enough cushion for himself. Wouldn't want him to get burned.

 

[Stout]

Might I add he had "lost a step" by the time he got to Pittsburgh, but his knowledge of the game kept him competitive.

Good pick up, IMO. Now can he explain what he was thinking on the field to other players in the question.

Damn you, Rugby, you stole my line

Townsend was never a highly talented player. He had great instincts, though, that at least made him competitive in coverage, and really allowed him to blitz with effectiveness.

Usually, it isn't your star players that make great coaches. How did Joe Green do with the D-line? In former player-coaches, you want someone who didn't necessarily have a lot of talent, and worked hard at learning everything he could to perfect his game. They usually know what it takes to get as much out of themselves as they can, and then can hopefully pass that skill set on.

Yeah, I'm down with bringing Townsend on board.

 

[Totally_Red]

No great loss with Donnie Henderson if he is gone. He was one for four in the secondary as DRC, Toler, and Wilson either clearly regressed or stayed the same last season IMO. Bring on Deshea!

 

[PDXChris]

Ike Taylor

Ike_SwagginU Ike Taylor
@
@desheatownsend what up Shea dawg
3 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Deshea Townsend

desheatownsend Deshea Townsend
@
@Ike_SwagginU in the air if you know what I mean.
2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

I thinks this move leads to landing Ike Taylor.

 

[Hypothesis]

Ike Taylor



Deshea Townsend



I thinks this move leads to landing Ike Taylor.

I'd be all for it...but reports out of Pittsburgh are that Ike is their number 1 priority this offseason. They are in contract talks right now.

As for Townsend signing here to coach...I'd love it. Feel he'd relate extremely well with our players and the guy is an outstanding mind.