Orchard Park, NY (Sports Network) - Buffalo Bills new coach Doug Marrone starting filling out his coaching staff Thursday by naming Mike Pettine as defensive coordinator and Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator.
Pettine had spent the last four seasons as the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, leading a squad that finished in the top 10 in total defense each season.
The Jets allowed the second-fewest passing yards per game (189.8) and finished fifth in the AFC in total defense (323.4 total yards per game) last season.
Prior to joining New York, Pettine was a member of the Baltimore Ravens' coaching staff from 2002-08.
"His defenses are known for their relentless attacking style. They can be very difficult for offenses and create all kinds of mismatches," Marrone said about Pettine. "When I accepted the job, that's exactly how I envisioned our defense and so Mike was the coach I felt was best suited to lead our defense."
Hackett spent the last three seasons as a member of Marrone's coaching staff at Syracuse, most recently as the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks/tight ends coach.
This past season, the Orange set school records in yards per game (476.0), passing yards (3,757), touchdown passes (26), completions (295) and first downs (328).
Hackett also led an offense in 2012 that included a 3,000 yard passer, 1,000 yard rusher and 1,000 yard receiver for the first time in a single-season in school history.
The 33-year-old was the Bills' offensive quality control coach from 2008-09 before taking the job with Syracuse.
"I have worked closely with Nathaniel the past three years and the first thing that jumps out at you is his boundless enthusiasm," said Marrone. "He has a genuine love and excitement for the game of football, offenses in particular, and that transcends into everything he does. Secondly, he has a great knowledge of offenses for someone his age."
