The Bills have hired former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz to be their defensive coordinator, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (via Twitter).
Schwartz was the defensive coordinator for the Titans under Jeff Fisher from 2001-2008, before getting the head coaching job with the Lions. In five years with the Lions, he amassed a 29-51 record, making the playoffs once. He was fired at the end of this season.
His defenses with the Titans achieved varying success, only finishing in the top 10 in points allowed twice and yards allowed three times during his tenure as a coordinator, according to Pro Football Reference. Schwartz has historically always ran a 4-3 defense marked by a desire to pressure with the front four. The Bills recently switched to a 3-4. There is no word yet on whether he will be bringing his defensive scheme with him, but with Mario Williams, Marcell Dareus, and Kyle Williams on the roster, they should have the versatility to play either scheme.
Schwartz replaces Mike Pettine, who left the Bills to become the head coach of the Browns. Pettine’s defense finished in the top five in DVOA last season.