The Buffalo Bills have appointed Jim Schwartz as their new defensive coordinator.

The vacancy opened up at the AFC East side after Mike Pettine was given the head coach's job with the Cleveland Browns.

Head coach Doug Marrone said in a statement: "We are excited to add a talented and accomplished coordinator in Jim Schwartz to our staff.

"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."

Schwartz spent the previous five seasons as head coach with the Detroit Lions, but was fired at the end of the 2013 campaign after missing out on a place in the playoffs.