"After an extensive search that included several highly-qualified coaches, we are thrilled that Jim Schwartz will become our team's head coach," Lions president Tom Lewand told the team's website ( www.detroitlions.com).
"Martin (Mayhew, the team's general manager) 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."
That goal remains a distant dream for Lions fans after watching Detroit go the entire 2008 season without a win.
Schwartz takes over from Rod Marinelli, who was sacked last month after the Lions became the first team to finish the NFL regular season with an 0-16 record.
The Lions will officially introduce Schwartz Friday at a news conference at Ford Field.
