BUFFALO, N. Seattle Mariners Gear .Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone wasted little time filling a big hole on his staff by reaching a deal with recently fired Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz as defensive co-ordinator. Marrone also turned to Schwartzs former staff to address another need by agreeing to hire Todd Downing to coach the young crop of quarterbacks, led by last years rookie first-round pick, EJ Manuel. The additions were announced Friday night, a day after defensive co-ordinator Mike Pettine left the team after one year to take over as the Cleveland Browns head coach. "We are excited to add a talented and accomplished co-ordinator in Jim Schwartz to our staff," Marrone said in a statement released by the team. "Schwartz has led aggressive and productive defensive units throughout his time in the NFL, and we feel our defence will continue to improve under his leadership." Schwartz was fired Dec. 30, a day after the Lions missed the playoffs with a 7-9 record. In four seasons in Detroit, the 47-year-old Schwartz was 29-51. That included a 10-6 finish in 2011 when the Lions reached the playoffs for the first time in 12 years. Schwartz becomes the Bills fourth defensive co-ordinator in four years and has big shoes to fill in taking over a unit that emerged as the teams strength last season. Pettines departure had the potential of under-cutting much of the progress the Bills hoped would carry over into next season after a 6-10 finish that extended the NFLs longest active playoff drought to 14 seasons. Though the Bills were inconsistent against the run, they still finished 10th in the NFL in fewest yards allowed -- Buffalos best ranking since finishing second in 2004. And they finished second in the NFL with a franchise-record 57 sacks. Schwartz has 20 years of NFL coaching experience, including eight seasons as the Tennessee Titans defensive co-ordinator from 2001-08. The Titans defence three times finished among the NFLs top 10 in fewest yards allowed. Tennessee was particularly stingy in stopping the run, finishing sixth or better in yards rushing allowed, including a first-place ranking in 2003. Its unclear how many positions Schwartz will have to fill on his defensive staff because theres a chance Pettine may lure some of his assistants to Cleveland. The Bills currently have one opening after inside linebackers coach Chuck Driesbach was fired last week. Schwartz takes over unit that produced four Pro Bowl selections, defensive linemen Mario Williams, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus and safety Jairus Byrd. Byrds status is uncertain after he played under a one-year franchise tag last season. The defence also includes linebacker Kiko Alonso, an NFL rookie of the year candidate. Schwartz has a fiery personality, and an aggressive approach to defence much like Pettine, which is being counted on to ease the transition. The knock against Schwartz in Detroit was the Lions inconsistencies and undisciplined style of play. In 2012, the Lions lost their last eight games after a 4-4 start. Last season, they collapsed during a stretch in which they blew fourth-quarter leads in losing six games during a seven-game stretch. Downings addition filled Marrones desire to add a quarterbacks coach to his staff after offensive co-ordinator Nathaniel Hackett doubled at the position last year. Marrone had expressed an intention to ease Hacketts burden entering his second season. Lack of experience and injuries didnt help the position. Manuel missed six games because of knee injuries. Undrafted journeyman Thad Lewis went 2-3 in five starts, while undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel struggled in a 23-13 loss to Kansas City. Downing has 11 years of NFL coaching experience, and spent the past three seasons at the same position in Detroit, where he mentored Lions starter Matthew Stafford. The 33-year-old Downing is familiar with Lewis, who spent last off-season in Detroit before the Bills acquired him in a trade in August. And he also coached Manuel at last years Senior Bowl. "Todd Downing is a bright and energetic coach," Marrone said. "He played a pivotal role in the development of Detroits quarterbacks during his tenure: most notably Matthew Stafford, the franchises all-time leading passer. Downing will be a valuable addition to our offensive coaching staff." Mariners Jerseys China . Make the extra pass, take care of the ball, play defence and get more out of his bench. Wholesale Mariners Jerseys . Louis, MO (SportsNetwork. https://www.cheapmariners.com/ .com) - The Buffalo Bills will return to the friendly confines of Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday when they welcome the upstart Cleveland Browns to town. TORONTO -- Georges St-Pierres road back to the Octagon is suddenly a lot bumpier. The former UFC welterweight champion, currently on hiatus from mixed martial arts but still training with an eye to a future return, revealed Thursday that he requires knee surgery. "Tore my left ACL in training. Surgery in a few days," St-Pierre said via Twitter. "Rehab, pain, hard work, no shortcuts - Ill soon be back at 100%. Thanks for the support." The Montreal mixed martial artist confirmed in a text to The Canadian Press that it is not the same knee that required reconstructive surgery in December 2011. "Im OK," he said. St-Pierre vacated his title in December saying he needed time away from the sport. But he kept training. The 32-year-old fighter has said he plans to return to MMA but has not provided a timeline. GSP has had his share of injuries. In the fall of 2011, he sustained a minor left knee problem and pulled hamstring. He believes that led to overcompensating with his right leg when he returned to training. An attempted takedown during a wrestling drill led to a torn anterior cruciate ligamment and a small tear to his internal miniscus. Stitched Mariners Jerseys. That operation was done by Neal ElAttrache, the surgeon who looked after NFL star Tom Bradys knee in 2009. "My knee feels like it never happened ... Its very strong," St-Pierre said later. The Canadian returned in November 2012 to win a decision over Carlos (The Natural Born Killer) Condit at UFC 154, the then-champions first fight in some 18 months. St-Pierre (25-2) went on to beat Nick Diaz and Johny (Bigg Rigg) Hendricks, in a controversial split decision at UFC 167 last November, before opting to step away from the sport. He cited personal issues, without detailing them. Hendricks won the vacant 170-pound title at UFC 171 earlier this month with a unanimous decision over (Ruthless) Robbie Lawler. St-Pierre had to delay his first scheduled title defence back in 2007 due to sprained posterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments. Surgery was not required then. And a 2006 fight was called off due to a groin problem. He also had a layoff in 2009 after tearing his adductor muscle in three places in a UFC 100 win over Thiago Alves. ' ' '