Bills hire Doug Marrone, search for assistants begins

Buffalo and first-year head coach Doug Marrone get a hard-nosed coach in Pettine, who will have plenty of talent to work with in his new job. The Bills woefully underperformed on defense last season, finishing 31st against the run and 22nd in total defense.

Hackett joins Doug Marrone, who recently took over the vacant head coaching position with the Bills. Marrone is also coming from Syracuse, where he was the head coach above Hackett.

Hackett’s status with Syracuse was up in the air, as the school promoted defensive coordinator Scott Shafer to the head coaching position. Initial reports suggested that Hackett would remain as offensive coordinator for continuity, but the lure of the NFL was too much.

Ryan told reporters that he wishes Pettine luck, but hopes that he’ll get a job outside of the AFC East. “I wish him all the best, unless he goes to Buffalo,” Ryan said. “I love Mike. I respect him.”

The 2012 Jets finished eighth in the NFL in fewest yards allowed, but were No. 20 in points allowed. It was a similar result as the 2011 season, when the Jets finished No. 5 in total defense, but finished No. 20 in points allowed.

“Today, I am experiencing another dream come true,” Marrone said. “I had some opportunities to make a choice, and I’ve chosen to be here.”

Marrone said he will immediately begin the search for his coaching staff. He will look for coaches with NFL experience, especially at the defensive coordinator position, and he does not plan to call his own plays. When asked what schemes he prefers, Marrone said the Bills’ personnel will play a part in determining those decisions.

Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone could be headed back to the NFL as he is scheduled to interview for the head coaching vacancies with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Marrone, who just finished his fourth season with Syracuse, will interview with Cleveland this week. He has plenty of NFL experience, including two seasons as the New Orleans Saints’ offensive coordinator. Marrone also worked as the New York Jets’ offensive line coach for three seasons.

The Bills, Browns and Cardinals all fired their head coaches Monday, releasing Chan Gailey, Pat Shurmur and Ken Whisenhunt, respectively.

Horton, 52, was named defensive coordinator for the Cardinals Feb. 9, 2011. This season, Arizona ranked 12th in the NFL, allowing 337.8 yards per game. Last year, the Cardinals gave up 355.1 yards per contest, which tied for 18th in the league.