"The St. Louis Rams confirmed that they are interviewing Arizona defensive coordinator Ray Horton today for their head-coaching vacancy.

Horton, 51, is a native of Tacoma, Wash., who had a 10-year career as a cornerback in the NFL with Cincinnati (1979-82) and Dallas ('89-92). His pro coaching career includes stints with Washington, Cincinnati, Detroit and Pittsburgh.

Until this season, he had spent his entire NFL coaching career coaching defensive backs. In Arizona, the Cardinals' defense started slowly this season but showed marked improvement over the final 10 games and finished tied for 18th in total defense.

With his background in Pittsburgh, where he was an assistant from 2004-10, Horton installed the Steelers' defensive scheme this season with the Big Red, featuring a 3-4 front and pressure from anywhere.

Horton has a straightforward, at times blunt approach — a style that worked well this season with the Cardinals."