ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. � Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will be the Buffalo Bills� interim head coach, replacing the fired Dick Jauron.

Fewell was given the job on Tuesday, hours after Bills owner Ralph Wilson fired Jauron after the team�s 3-6 start. Wilson credited Fewell for �demonstrating excellent leadership skills,� while noting the players have plenty of �confidence in him.�
In his 12th NFL season, and fourth with Buffalo, Fewell becomes the team�s first black coach.
The shakeup came two days after a 41-17 loss at Tennessee, dropping Buffalo further out of contention and in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for a 10th straight year.
The Bills were scheduled to hold a news conference at 8:30 p.m.