Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles hire former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator

Published Jan. 19, 2016 2:22 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Philadelphia Eagles have found their new defensive coordinator.

Shortly after the Eagles introduced Doug Pederson as the new head coach of the franchise, Pederson revealed that former Lions coach Jim Schwartz will serve as defensive coordinator, replacing Billy Davis.

Schwartz served as an officiating consultant with the NFL in the 2015 season. But he has plenty of experience as a defensive coordinator in the NFL.

Schwartz was defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills in the 2014 season, leaving the Bills following Doug Marrone's departure as head coach before Rex Ryan came aboard.

During his one season in Buffalo, the Bills had a strong defense, allowing the fourth-fewest total yards and points per game while forcing the third-most takeaways in the NFL.

He also served as a defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans from 2001-08, before becoming head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009-13.

The Eagles had to snag Schwartz's services quickly. Schwartz had interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.