(AP) -- The New York Jets have hired Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles as their head coach.
The team made the announcement Wednesday. The 51-year-old Bowles replaces Rex Ryan, who was fired, along with general manager John Idzik, on Dec. 29 after six seasons.
Bowles was a highly sought candidate after leading Arizona's defense the last two seasons.
It is a homecoming of sorts for Bowles, who is a native of Elizabeth, New Jersey. He also served as the Jets' defensive backs coach under then-coach Al Groh during the 2000 season.
Bowles beat out five other candidates who interviewed for the job, including Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and former Buffalo coach Doug Marrone.
The Jets hired former Houston director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan as their general manager Tuesday night.