The architect of the USFL’s stingiest and most ball-hawking defense, Pittsburgh Maulers defensive coordinator Jarren Horton was awarded the league’s first Assistant Coach of the Year Award on Thursday.
Now in his second season guiding the Maulers’ defense, Horton’s group led the league in yards allowed per game (257.4) and takeaways (20) during the regular season. On Wednesday, three of his players — middle linebacker Kyahva Tezino, cornerback Mark Gilbert and safety Arnold “Tre” Tarpley III — earned All-USFL honors.
Congratulations to the 2023 USFL Assistant Coach of the Year, @JarrenHorton of the @USFLMaulers ???????? pic.twitter.com/dqxaOzxoCL
— USFL (@USFL) June 22, 2023
“We know how valuable all members of the coaching staff are to the success of a team, so we thought it was important to add this award in 2023,” said Daryl Johnston, the USFL’s president of football operations.
“In 2023, his defense led or was near the top in almost every statistical category. We challenge our coaches to bring out the best in their players, and Jarren accomplished that feat.”
The defense helped the Maulers secure their first playoff berth in franchise history. The Maulers (4-6) take on the Michigan Panthers (4-6) in Saturday’s North Division Championship at 8 p.m. in Canton.
Birmingham’s Skip Holtz was named USFL Coach of the Year after leading the Stallions to the best record in the league at 8-2. Holtz’s offensive mind helped the Stallions average 28.7 points to lead the USFL in scoring by a large margin.
The Stallions (8-2) will play in Sunday’s South Division Championship against the New Orleans Breakers (7-3) at 7 p.m., earning home field advantage in Birmingham for the first time in 38 years.
Both award-winning coaches come from football families — Skip is the son of longtime Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz, while Jarren is the son of current Maulers head coach Ray Horton.
Nothing like your dad announcing you won Assistant Coach of the Year ❤️
— Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) June 22, 2023
Congrats @JarrenHorton, you deserve it! ???? pic.twitter.com/3tdYpa6bx4
