DETROIT, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Recently fired Chicago Bears coach Dick Jauron has been hired as defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions.
With Detroit, which was 24th in the NFL in total defense in 2003, he will be re-united with head coach Steve Mariucci.
"We've agreed to terms to make Dick our new defensive coordinator," team vice president Bill Keenist told the Detroit News.
The paper said Jauron, who was a defensive back for the Lions in his playing career, agreed to a three-year contract. In his new job, he will supplant Kurt Schottenheimer, who was the Lions' defensive coordinator the last two years.
Jauron was 35-46 in five years as coach of the Bears. He and Mariucci were assistants with Green Bay from 1992-94. Reports indicate he also was pursued by St. Louis, the New York Giants, and at least two other teams not identified.
