The Lions have come to an agreement with Jim Schwartz to be their next head coach, the team announced minutes ago. Schwartz is expected to be introduced at a press conference tomorrow.

Defensive coordinator the past eight seasons for the Tennessee Titans, Schwartz replaces Rod Marinelli, who was fired a day after the Lions finished the NFL's first ever 0-16 season.

In a press conference during his second interview with team personnel Monday, Schwartz said he was intrigued by rebuilding the Lions.

"I don't shy away from a challenge and I think that it's important in the NFL to have that attitude on a yearly basis," he said. "Where we were in Tennessee last year is not where we were a few years ago, and one of the best feelings in sports is turning something around. Obviously, the system in the NFL affords us the capability of turning something around."

Dolphins assistant head coach Todd Bowles was the other finalist for the job, and Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Redskins secondary coach Jerry Gray were among those also interviewed.

"After an extensive search that included several highly-qualified coaches, we are thrilled that Jim Schwartz will become our team’s head coach," team president Tom Lewand said in a release. "Martin (Mayhew) and I believe that Jim’s qualifications and vision will lead this organization on the field toward our goal of becoming a championship football team."