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January 16, 2009

Jim Schwartz insisted he loves challenges. Well, he's got one.

The Detroit Lions, the NFL's first 0-16 team, agreed Thursday on a four-year deal with Schwartz to make him their next coach. Schwartz, 42, just finished his eighth season as the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator and his 10th on their staff.

Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher congratulated the Lions for hiring the "right guy" and said in a statement that Schwartz will be missed in Tennessee.

"In his eight years as our defensive coordinator, Jim has clearly put his stamp on that side of the ball," Fisher said. "He is competitive, a tremendous communicator and motivator, and in our opinion, he has been ready for this next step for several years."