Prior to that he was the interim head coach at the University of Minnesota, having replaced Tim Brewster, who was fired midway through the Golden Gophers' 2010 season.
After the 1992 football season ended, Wolf Pack head coach Chris Ault stepped down to focus on his duties as the university's athletic director.
Following the 1993 season, Horton accepted the head coaching position at in-state rival UNLV, a move commonly referred to as the "Red Defection" by Wolf Pack fans.
The quarterbacks during his tenure (Jim Sorgi, Brooks Bollinger, and John Stocco), rank first, second, and fourth in Badgers history in passing yards.
In that position, he assisted head coach Scott Linehan with administrative duties, offensive play-calling, and preparation.
Once dubbed a "running back whisperer" in the press, the Aztecs were bowl eligible in all twelve seasons under Horton at San Diego State and won three Mountain West titles.