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North Carolina State University

NC State's Horton stepping away from coaching

May 31, 2012

Raleigh, N.C. — NC State head football coach Tom O’Brien announced that tight ends coach Don Horton is stepping away from coaching. Horton, who also mentored the offensive line during his career, will remain on the Wolfpack staff as the assistant director of football operations. More Info     More NCSU Stories

“It is with great excitement that I approach the next step in my professional career in athletic administration,” stated Horton. “Coach O’Brien and NC State Athletics have offered my family and me a great opportunity to become involved in the administration and I am extremely grateful. I would like to thank all those who have made this next step possible.”

“I am thrilled to have Coach Horton continue in his career here at NC State,” said O’Brien. “As a member of our staff for the past 15 years, he has been more than an excellent football coach. He has also has done a tremendous job developing young men and setting high standards when it comes to hard work and how to do things the right way. In his new role, he will continue to benefit everyone associated with this football program, and we are as excited about this opportunity as he is.”

Horton’s coaching career has spanned three decades, beginning at The Ohio State University in 1982 as a graduate assistant. He made coaching stops at nine other schools and made the trip to NC State with O’Brien in 2007. He has mentored over 15 NFL players and has coached in 12 college bowl games.