Mike Pettine, who spent the past five years an a defensive coordinator, was named coach of the Cleveland Browns on Thursday by the National Football League club.
Pettine, who worked in Buffalo last season after four seasons on the staff of the New York Jets, replaces Rob Chudzinski, who was dumped after the Browns stumbled to a 4-12 record this season.
"Mike is the epitome of what we want the Browns to be: tough, aggressive and innovative with a blue-collar, team-first mentality," Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said.
"Most importantly, Mike has repeatedly shown the ability to lead his players to consistent improvement and success, clearly what we are striving for."
Pettine guided defensive units to top-10 rankings in total defence in all five of his seasons as a defensive coordinator.
His aggressive system in Buffalo last season saw the Bills set a club record with 57 sacks, second most in the NFL. Buffalo was the only team with three players who managed 10 or more sacks in 2013.
"Our players and fans are going to really enjoy Mike Pettine and his leadership style," Browns chief executive Joe Banner said. "We're excited to have him out in front of our team."
The Bills kept opposing quarterbacks to the lowest pass completion percentage in the NFL last season at 55.3 per cent and were second in the league with 23 interceptions.
Pettine also spent seven years as an assistant coach for the Baltimore Ravens.
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