The Buffalo Bills hired Jim Schwartz as their defensive coordinator Friday, the team announced.
Schwartz replaces Mike Pettine, who was hired Thursday as coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Schwartz, 47, was fired last month after five seasons as coach of the Detroit Lions. He compiled a 29-51 record and made one playoff appearance in 2011.
"We are excited to add a talented and accomplished coordinator in Jim Schwartz to our staff," Bills coach Doug Marrone said in a statement. "Schwartz has led aggressive and productive defensive units throughout his time in the NFL, and we feel our defense will continue to improve under his leadership."
Prior to his stint in Detroit, Schwartz served eight seasons as defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans' defense three times finished among the NFL's top 10 in fewest yards allowed under Schwartz's watch. Tennessee was particularly stingy in stopping the run, finishing sixth or better in yards rushing allowed, including a first-place ranking in 2003.
In one season under Pettine, the Bills defense improved in several statistical categories. Overall, the Bills finished with a 6-10 record under first-year coach Marrone.
The Bills also announced Friday the hiring of quarterbacks coach Todd Downing, who served in the same capacity for Schwartz in Detroit.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
