I think Mikey is trying to work it where he has Reid and Horton in the building at the same time. Leverage city and or a meeting of the minds.
I still don't see Horton leaving, or landing HC jobs over the other more experienced candidates. Mikey definitely wants to stay in Horton's ear, and I'm sure Mikey has told him we'd love to keep him here.
If Mikey can manage to keep Horton and his defensive staff while dropping Whizco and Graves, that's impressive.
Mikey is a trip, and getting down to business when negotiating seems to be clear. The no Agents allowed thing means he is only paying the person he is trying to hire, not some ******* and his what 10-15% ? That extra mill or two going straight to the next GM or HC could make his offer look a lot better to whomever is listening.
Horton will be a super hot legit comodity if he stays here another year to buff up his resume. He's got this D dialed in now, and Mikey is showing him that he is working on the offense like right now.